NATO’s secretary general Jens Stolenberg mentioned his concern over the economic collapse in Tunisia. He stressed the preparedness of the alliance to help Tunisia if an economic collapse happens and that it will work to prevent the influx of thousands of new immigrants to European countries from Tunisian boats. Tunisia has been the sight of several economic faults.
The International Monetary Fund has had its £1.9 billion loan offered to Tunisia frozen as a result of the administration not signing it. Tunisia is at risk of an economic collapse due to post-Covid factors as well as pre-existing economic issues. The proposed loan would assist the struggling Tunisian economy while also providing long term relief with the necessary reforms that would need to happen if the loan is accepted. Tunisia has in the past not followed through with its promised economic reform. This also makes it less dependable according to the loaners. The hope is that this will be a turning point in Tunisia’s economy.
NATO Supports Tunisia’s Economic Stability to Prevent Potential Migrant Crisis and Human Trafficking Surge, Urges IMF Fund Acceptance by Government
The worry in this regard is with the following aftermath of an economic collapse in Tunisia. A collapse would be accompanied by a surge in migrants from Tunisia travelling for asylum in Europe. NATO’s decision to further their support to Tunisia is a strong step in helping bolster the country’s economic stability.
Another fear is the surge of human trafficking that would hit Europe in case of a Tunisian collapse. The secretary general went on to say that Tunisia could be bankrupt in six to nine months if the IMF fund is not accepted by the Tunisian government. He conveyed that NATO supports the EU in its efforts to combat illegal immigration and will work with Tunisia to empower and stabilize the country.
Tunisia and NATO have a history of close cooperation and the two parties have worked together on a number of initiatives in the past. This move by NATO to provide Tunisia with financial aid is a further continuation of this cooperative partnership. The EU had earlier also extended its supports towards Tunisia. The EU fears that a collapse could have migrants from Tunisia taking dangerous boat trips to reach asylum in the European countries.
Tunisia Faces Water Crisis Amidst Worst Drought on Record, Announces Public Water Supply Cuts as EU and NATO Extend Support Amid Economic Woes
The economic crisis is however not the only problem currently plaguing Tunisia. Tunisia also recently announced that it will be cutting public water supplies overnight. The country is experiencing the worst drought on record and as a result, water supplies are being closed for 7 hours overnight from 9pm to 7am according to the state water distribution company SONEDE. The agriculture ministry of the country earlier mentioned that it plans to implement a quota system for portable water and that it will ban its usage for agriculture till the 30th of September. The drought in Tunisia has now been ongoing for over 4 years.
This along with other economic falters, Tunisia is in a volatile and unstable position with an uncertain future. If the IMF loan is not accepted, economic as well as social and political collapses are imminent.
