President Kais Saied’s racist remarks against black people was a desperate attempt to shift the blame for his own misgovernance. The former jurist turned politician, has presided over the decline of what was once considered a model democracy in Africa.
Saied’s remarks during a security meeting, which referred to “hordes of illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa” as bringing crime and unacceptable practices, sparked outrage within and outside of Tunisia.
Tunisia has a history of segregation and discrimination towards its black community, dating back to the time of slavery, which lasted until the 19th century. Even after the abolition of slavery, black people faced continued marginalisation and discrimination based on the colour of their skin, seen as inferior to lighter skin. The practice of separating graves based on skin colour is a stark reminder of this discrimination, with black graves often located in less desirable areas.
Racist attitudes and stereotypes perpetuated through media and popular culture contribute to a pervasive belief that black people are inferior, justifying discriminatory practices. This prejudice has no place in a society that values social justice and equality for all.
Rays of hope came with the swift condemnations from Tunisia’s rights groups like the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES). Ramadan Ben Amor puts it curtly: “The presidential campaign aims to create an imaginary enemy for Tunisians to distract them from their basic problems.”
Tunisia’s most prominent idol, the tennis star Ons Jabeur also posted a tweet: “Today is #ZeroDiscriminationDay. As a proud Tunisian, Arab and African woman I celebrate the right of everyone to live with dignity.” She followed up, displaying a Tunisian stamp from 1961, celebrating Africa Day.
Same Saed who has arrogated all state power and control to himself, stampeding free speech, obstructed a performance in August last year by the comedian Lotfi al-Abdali. His security agent dispersed a show attended by about 10,000 people, citing “unlawful expressions” that offended the president, is the same who has made a mess of what Tunisian democracy stood for.
The recent racist remarks by Tunisia’s President are unacceptable and demonstrate a clear lack of understanding of the values of his people. Tunisian blacks have suffered from segregation for too long, and it is time for the government to take real action to address this issue.
Only through education, dialogue, and a commitment to social justice and equality can Tunisia move forward as a united and prosperous nation. It is imperative that the government recognises the dignity and worth of all its citizens, regardless of their skin colour or ethnicity.