Just when everyone thought that Tunisia is nearing safe harbour, a staggering blow was dealt to the process of democratic transition as Arab Nationalism figure Mohammed Brahmi was assassinated on the 25th of July. Both the assassins and their motives remain unknown with many of the parties in opposition pointing fingers at Nahdha, the ruling party.
Yet it seems that the assassination is not at all in the benefit of the ruling party. As a figure of the opposition, Brahmi did not have the political weight of Hamma Hammami (Communist figure) or Kaied Essebssi (former PM and opposition figure). Had it been Nahdha's doing, therefore, it would have been more rational to assassinate one of these "threatening figures" instead of Brahmi. The assassination's timing also comes at a very unsuitable time for Nahdha. The Troika government has finaly managed to restore a fair level of security to the country, revive tourism, and even win the relative support of some opposition figures such as Ahmed Najib Chabbi. It seems, then, quite improbable that Nahdha is behind the murder. Nevertheless, the government has to answer for it's sloppiness in providing a minimal ammount of personal security for MPs.
Ansar Chariaa (a salafist group operating in Tunisia) are more likely to be the ones behind the assassination. Just a couple of weeks before the murder, a weapons depot belonging to Salafists was raided by police units in the vicinity of Brahmi's house. Furthermore, Tunisian Home Ministry officially accused the same organization of being behind the assassination of Chokri Belaid. What is not clear however, is why would Ansar Chariaa assassinate a practicing muslim while there are other political figures who are more likely to be targets of an "inquisition" such as Hamma Hammami who has been often labelled as "atheist" ?
A return to the details of the assassination hints,however, at a foreign involvement as the operation was carried out in a most professional manner. According to the deceased's neighbours, the same individuals who murdered Brahmi have staked out his house for days while posing as a police patrol. Autopsy report indicates that an overall of 14 bullets have penetrated the victim's body which is quite difficult to achieve in a drive-by shooting unless the shooter is a professional. Furthermore, the gun used in the operation is, according to crime scene investigations, the famous Israeli UZI 9m. This gun is rare to find in the region since official forces rely on Austrian and American arms while terrorist groups rely heavily on the Russian AK-47.
Under the light of the few information available so far, it is more probable that Jihadists, a foreing intelligence agency, or even both in collaboration are behind this assassination that may have disastrous consequences on the country's political and social climate.
Yet it seems that the assassination is not at all in the benefit of the ruling party. As a figure of the opposition, Brahmi did not have the political weight of Hamma Hammami (Communist figure) or Kaied Essebssi (former PM and opposition figure). Had it been Nahdha's doing, therefore, it would have been more rational to assassinate one of these "threatening figures" instead of Brahmi. The assassination's timing also comes at a very unsuitable time for Nahdha. The Troika government has finaly managed to restore a fair level of security to the country, revive tourism, and even win the relative support of some opposition figures such as Ahmed Najib Chabbi. It seems, then, quite improbable that Nahdha is behind the murder. Nevertheless, the government has to answer for it's sloppiness in providing a minimal ammount of personal security for MPs.
Ansar Chariaa (a salafist group operating in Tunisia) are more likely to be the ones behind the assassination. Just a couple of weeks before the murder, a weapons depot belonging to Salafists was raided by police units in the vicinity of Brahmi's house. Furthermore, Tunisian Home Ministry officially accused the same organization of being behind the assassination of Chokri Belaid. What is not clear however, is why would Ansar Chariaa assassinate a practicing muslim while there are other political figures who are more likely to be targets of an "inquisition" such as Hamma Hammami who has been often labelled as "atheist" ?
A return to the details of the assassination hints,however, at a foreign involvement as the operation was carried out in a most professional manner. According to the deceased's neighbours, the same individuals who murdered Brahmi have staked out his house for days while posing as a police patrol. Autopsy report indicates that an overall of 14 bullets have penetrated the victim's body which is quite difficult to achieve in a drive-by shooting unless the shooter is a professional. Furthermore, the gun used in the operation is, according to crime scene investigations, the famous Israeli UZI 9m. This gun is rare to find in the region since official forces rely on Austrian and American arms while terrorist groups rely heavily on the Russian AK-47.
Under the light of the few information available so far, it is more probable that Jihadists, a foreing intelligence agency, or even both in collaboration are behind this assassination that may have disastrous consequences on the country's political and social climate.
