US-Tunisian military cooperation tested by Saied's actions
The Tunisian president's assertion of executive authority has been met with both opposition and support, and some are questioning US military assistance.
The 10-year cooperation deal between the United States and the Tunisian military could be undermined if the president of the Tunisian Republic continues to use the military for political ends and involves them in human rights abuses such as trials of civilians in military courts.
US-Tunisian military cooperation goes back as far as World War II, when Tunisians fought alongside the allied offensive against the Nazis. This strong relationship resulted in Tunisia being designated a major non-NATO ally under the Obama administration.
The cooperation deal was signed when former US Defense Secretary Mark Esper visited Tunisia in October 2020. According to a spokesperson from US Africa Command (AFRICOM), “The U.S.-Tunisia military partnership is based on a strong security cooperation focused on building Tunisia's military capacity to counter threats and supporting Tunisia's efforts to become a regional training hub.”
Tunisia is still rebuilding its army and air force after some 60 years of neglect under Presidents Habib Bouguiba (1957-1987) and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (1987-2011), who both marginalized the military as they feared the army becoming a power to rival their authority.
