Civil Society in Tunisia
AAM partnered with Hannibal TV – one of Tunisia’s largest television channels – to host a town hall discussion focused on the role of civil society in Tunisia’s democratic transition. The event brought audience members from across Tunisia together with civil society activists, experts, and government officials to discuss the importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) in a post-Ben Ali Tunisia, and the successes and challenges they’ve faced since the revolution.
Panelists included:
Badreddine Abdul Kafi, Constituent Assembly Representative of the relationship with the Civil Society
Mohsen Marzouk, President of "Kawakibi" center for democratic transition and Secretary General of the Arab Institution for Democracy
Khalifa Ben Fatma, Director of Training and Studies at Ifada Center for Civil Society Organizations
Tunisian civil society is a major player in this transition. It led, in cooperation with others, the revolution against the dictatorship, and expresses the diversity and richness of the Tunisian people. But to fully play its vital role, the Tunisian civil society needs to recreate itself, and gain the proper experience and know-how in order to be more effective in delivering a smooth transition to democracy.
Audience members discussed the role of CSOs in fighting corruption and protecting human rights; the neglect of CSOs in the interior and rural areas of Tunisia; and the lack of awareness among Tunisians about the role and importance of civil society.
Transcript