Tunisia’s Organized Crime Scene: Mafia-Style Operations Thrive in Shambolic System

In a country plagued by political instability and corruption, Tunisia’s organized crime scene has evolved into a mafia-style operation with limited scope and number of players. Despite the presence of foreign actors declining in recent years, their influence remains significant.

A Conducive Environment for Organized Crime

The lack of governmental stability has led to a loss of faith in state institutions, exacerbating the problem. The absence of significant action against corruption and the systematic undermining of state institutions have created an environment conducive to organized crime’s growth.

• Inadequate accountability systems: No effective checks and balances are in place.
• Weak anti-corruption legislation: The National Commission for the Fight against Corruption was shut down by authorities in 2021.
• Limited international cooperation: Efforts to combat cybersecurity threats have increased, but a clear crime prevention and anti-crime policy is lacking.

Judicial System Challenges

The judicial system faces numerous challenges:

• Politicization: Judges are often influenced by political considerations rather than the rule of law.
• Lack of independence: The judiciary is not free from interference from other branches of government.
• Understaffing: The number of judges and prosecutors is insufficient to handle the caseload.
• Limited specialized expertise: Judges may not have the necessary training or experience to handle complex cases.

Human Rights Concerns

Civilians can be tried in military courts, and the prison system is dysfunctional. Human rights organizations have criticized the use of violence by police against protesters and detainees, with reports of physical and moral violations during arrests and interrogations.

• Corruption among border security officials: This remains an issue, despite efforts to control the territory.
• Weaknesses in cybersecurity: While there are strong legal and technical measures in place, weaknesses persist due to organizational matters.

Economic Crisis

Tunisia is facing one of its worst economic crises since independence, with:

• High inflation
• Unemployment
• Marginalization
• Regional economic inequality
• Underdevelopment
• Lack of effective reforms

Human Trafficking and Press Freedom

Despite efforts to support victims of human trafficking, there are still shortcomings in the country’s approach. The government’s security-focused approach has been criticized for being ineffective in preventing human trafficking.

Press freedom in Tunisia has deteriorated significantly since the 2019 elections, with:

• Politicians openly attacking journalists
• Independent media outlets facing growing pressure and intimidation from government officials

Conclusion

In this environment of instability and corruption, mafia-style organized crime operations are likely to continue thriving, further eroding trust in state institutions and hindering efforts to combat these criminal networks.