Tunisia has announced its decision to withdraw from the African Union’s human rights Court, signalling a further deterioration in the country’s commitment to human rights.
In a statement released few days ago, the Tunisian government declared that it would no longer recognize the competence of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to accept cases from individuals or non-governmental organizations. While no official reason for the move was provided, it comes at a time when Tunisia is increasingly veering towards authoritarianism, following President Kais Saied’s power consolidation in 2019.
By exiting the Tanzania-based court, Tunisia effectively denies individuals and human rights groups the opportunity to file complaints against the government, undermining accountability. This decision follows a series of legal challenges filed against Tunisia in recent years, including a prominent case in May 2023, where the relatives of four opposition figures, including Ennahdha party leader Rached Ghannouchi, sought their release. In August 2023, the AU court ruled against Tunisia, urging the government to allow the detainees access to their doctors and lawyers.
The Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH) strongly condemned the withdrawal, describing it as a “secretive decision” and a “dangerous step backward.” The group argued that this move reflects an attempt to evade independent judicial oversight and diminish efforts to combat impunity and uphold justice in the country.