A New Political Initiative in Tunisia: "Engagement National – Eltizam Watani"
A group of Tunisian politicians, academics, and activists announced on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Tunis, the creation of a new political initiative called "Engagement National – Eltizam Watani", aimed at promoting a civil, democratic, and inclusive regime in Tunisia. The meeting was attended by Mohamed Ennaceur, former president of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, several figures from the Free Destourian Party, Professor of Constitutional Law Amine Mahfoudh, as well as various personalities from the academic and human rights worlds.
A Moral and Political Pact for the Refoundation of the State
Professor Amine Mahfoudh explained that this initiative is the result of consultations between different national sensitivities, beyond old divisions, and aims to build a framework for democratic governance based on participation and responsibility. "This initiative is born out of a sense of concern about the current situation in the country. Tunisia deserves a new chance to come together, not to divide," he said. The founding document, entitled "Engagement National", has been submitted to several political and intellectual currents. It presents itself as an ethical and political pact, a symbolic contract calling for a collective awakening to rebuild the Tunisian state in respect of democratic principles.
A Response to the Political and Institutional Crisis
For Adnane Haj Omar, one of the initiators of the project, this approach responds to the unprecedented crisis that Tunisia is going through on the political and institutional level. The objective, according to him, is to establish a renewed constitutional and legal framework, establishing a civil republican regime, based on the separation of powers, the revision of the electoral code, and the creation of constitutionally protected institutions. The initiative also aims to repeal texts deemed anti-constitutional or liberticidal, notably Decree-Law No. 54 of 2022, considered to be an attack on freedom of expression and contrary to international human rights standards. "Tunisia is experiencing a real political desert today, exacerbated by repressive laws that stifle freedom of expression," added Haj Omar.
An Opening to All Political Forces
The text of the initiative will soon be submitted to all political parties and civil actors for signature and approval. According to Haj Omar, the goal is to build a democratic state that excludes no citizen, values competence, and mobilizes all national energies in the service of the public interest.
A Call to Collective Mobilization
In a brief intervention, Mohamed Ennaceur called for collective mobilization to restore Tunisian democracy. "We must all work towards a democratic Tunisia that guarantees a dignified life for future generations and creates the conditions for sustainable economic and social development," he emphasized.
