This committee explored the chaotic turmoil of the Tunisian Revolution in late 2010 into early 2011. This was the beginning of the Arab Spring, as well as the only successful venture in bringing about democracy and liberalism during this region-wide moment in history. Delegates were set with the task of not only bringing about a revolution and overthrowing the corrupt Ben Ali government, but also ensuring that the principles they fight for are enshrined in a constitution and become ideals that shape current and future Governments.
Ilinca represented Ben Jafar, the founder of the Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties, a secular and democratic socialist party. She wrote two position papers: an external one detailing her official and public position, and an internal one divulging her personal objectives for committee.
External Position Paper
Social justice. To me, this is not just an empty phrase or a vague ideal, but an essential principle that I am committed to living my life by and relentlessly defending in my beloved country of Tunisia. The rights forming the very pillars of social justice – freedom of expression and organization – have eroded under Ben Ali’s regime, creating a dangerous political climate conducive to repression and extremism. This is evident in the tragic self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi earlier today. The desperation and righteous fury that Bouazizi harbored against this catastrophic government and these miserable economic conditions encompass the sentiments of the vast majority of Tunisians, who toil in industries held in the tight fists of Ben Ali and his extended family. It is with grave sorrow and resolve that I call for us to not only mourn, but to back our rightful anger with unified action.
The task that lies before us is tremendous: overthrowing the corrupt Ben Ali regime and ensuring a transition to a new, just government. Nevertheless, I am confident the people of Tunisia will be able to overcome the obstacles in our path without violence and bloodshed, but with unity and strength, just as we have always done throughout our nation’s noble history.
Since my days working as a radiologist in Tunis, I have endeavored to make my mark on this country — from publishing a newspaper on human rights from my apartment (which later evolved into the Tunisian Human Rights League), to establishing my own political party, the Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties (FDTL). I believe that my party’s ideals and policy proposals can shape a participatory democracy with free and fair elections, the separation of religion and state, and open governance and transparency. By working hand in hand with Tunisians from all walks of life, I intend to respond to the aspirations of the people and lead our country in drafting a new constitution — one that separates our nation irremediably from the ruthless methods of the Ben Ali regime by guaranteeing a semi-presidential democracy that preserves and promotes fundamental freedoms and human rights.
Together with the grassroots-driven FDTL, it is my greatest ambition to ensure that equal rights for men and women, partnerships with the international community, equitable development across regional and social divides, and educational access for all of our citizens are all at the forefront of our new government’s agenda.
Internal Position Paper
Honorable Chair and Crisis Staff,
In this time of crisis, I call upon all Tunisian citizens to not only rally against the current regime, but unite in fighting for the vision of what government and civil society could be for our beloved country. As the founder of the Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties (FDTL), I have unyieldingly fought for social justice and for Tunisian laborers, activists, women, and youth. In 2009, I ran for President, representing the FDTL with a campaign backed by immense grassroots support across our nation — only to unjustifiably lose to the notorious authoritarian incumbent Ben Ali. His repeated constitutional amendments to extend the Presidential term limit, as well as his consistent reelections with dubiously enormous majorities — each time exceeding 90% of the vote — reek of manipulation, bribery, and fraud. It is my sincere hope to take a leadership role and finally give Tunisians what they desire — a leader who serves in the interest of the people and upholds a true democracy, with transparency and humanity.
One of the ways I intend on making my position relevant to Tunisians and our imminent task of inspiring a revolution is enhancing our ability to mobilize political participation. Under a regime of censorship and constant silencing of dissent, our citizens have evolved a sense of political apathy. I want to do everything to convince Tunisians that there is an alternative to the current power and its policy, and to get them out of the collective resignation in which they are plunged.1 This is a phenomenon I find worrying, and it is why we must mobilize public opinion, especially youth and women. Their future is at stake. However, regardless of which opposition party they might support, Tunisians are driven to despair by the desolate economic conditions and resentful of the dominance of the “Trabelsi clan,” the money-laundering family of the First Lady. I am resolved to use the common ground between the vast majority of citizens to drive progress and inspire action.
Of course, Ben Ali’s government utilizes internet censorship, with recent testing revealing the pervasive filtering of the opposition party and organization websites, including that of my own political party. However, social media is an emerging online platform that has been underutilized and largely uncensored in Tunisia, making it an essential asset in coordinating citizens in non-violent direct action, as well as raising awareness both nationally and globally. I have begun harnessing this tool and building a vibrant social media platform together with my party; I intend to put it to good use by building support for the progressive movement and leading a wave of change in Tunisia, especially after the harrowing self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi. I also aim to improve connectivity in Tunisia by advocating for the adoption of a national Free Basics internet program, in order to involve our citizens who live inland or are unable to afford a cell phone data plan.
Lastly, it is my ambition to generate international pressure against Ben Ali. Through collaborations with my connections at home and abroad, including my dear friend President François Hollande of France, I wish to build a coalition of allies who will support Tunisia in its transition to a democracy. Although the task of establishing a new government may appear daunting, I am certain that we will succeed if we keep justice, collaboration, and civic participation at the core of our strategy.
Kindest regards,
Mustapha Ben Jafar
Works Cited and Consulted
(1) https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2009/09/25/tunisie-l-opposant-mustapha-ben-jaafar-candidat-a-la-presidentielle_1245376_3212.html#xtor=RSS-3208
(2) https://www.lemonde.fr/tunisie/article/2013/03/05/tunisie-ben-jaafar-espere-un-gouvernement-rapidement_1843180_1466522.html
(3) https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/03/revealing-tunisia-corruption-under-ben-ali-201432785825560542.html
(4) http://ettakatol.org/fondateurs-2/
(5) http://ettakatol.org/historique-2-2568/
(6) https://web.archive.org/web/20120310030033/http://www.tunisia-live.net/2011/07/15/the-program-democratic-forum-for-labor-and-liberties/
(7) https://web.archive.org/web/20120402205141/http://www.tunisia-live.net/2011/10/10/party-profile-ettakatol-forum-democratique-pour-le-travail-et-les-libertes-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%aa%d9%83%d8%aa%d9%84/
(8) https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2009/09/25/tunisie-l-opposant-mustapha-ben-jaafar-candidat-a-la-presidentielle_1245376_3212.html#xtor=RSS-3208
(9) https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2005/country-chapters/tunisia
(10) https://web.archive.org/web/20091029150631/http://www.parismatch.com/Actu-Match/Monde/Actu/Ben-Ali-sans-discussion-139089/
(11) https://web.archive.org/web/20111229101947/http://www.tunisia-live.net/2011/08/14/ben-jaafar-ettakatol-not-currently-considering-coalitions/
(12) https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/03/revealing-tunisia-corruption-under-ben-ali-201432785825560542.html
(13) https://opennet.net/research/profiles/tunisia
(14) https://www.journalism.org/2012/11/28/role-social-media-arab-uprisings/
(15) https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/10/201110614579390256.html
(16) https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/28/10673022/free-basics-india-zuckerberg-op-ed
(17) https://atlasinfo.wpengine.com/Mustapha-Ben-Jaafar-candidat-a-la-presidentielle-tunisienne_a54880.html