Tunisia State of Emergency
A deadly attack on a bus carrying Tunisia’s presidential guards has killed 12 people.
The deadly blast ripped through the bus, which caused fatal casualties.
In the aftermath of the attack, the country’s president declared a state of emergency throughout the country and a curfew in the capital. President Beji Caid Essebsi condemned the attack in a television broadcast and called for a global effort to counter the surge of extremism.
This is the third time Tunisia was hit by a deadly terrorist attack for this year.
Earlier this year, an attack at Tunisia’s famed Bardo museum near the capital killed 22 people.
Also, in June, a deadly terrorist attack on a luxury beach hotel in Sousse killed 38 people.
US Condemns the Attack in Tunisia
In a press statement, US Deputy Department Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said the United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Tunis that targeted a bus carrying members of Tunisia’s security forces.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and have offered assistance with Tunisian authorities’ investigation.” – Mr. Toner
He added that Secretary John Kerry was proud to stand with Tunisian leaders earlier this month in Tunis and reaffirm the
countries’ extensive economic, governance, and security cooperation.
“We will continue to support the Tunisian people as they work to build a democratic and prosperous future for their country.” – Mr. Toner
US Supports Tunisia for Its Democratic Aspirations
As Tunisia continues to chart a democratic future after the successful revolution, the United States remains a committed partner in working with the Tunisian government, private sector, and civil society to develop institutions of governance, and in laying the economic foundations for Tunisia to thrive as a 21st century democracy.
The U.S. government is an ardent supporter of Tunisia’s democratic progress and economic success, hoping it will set an example for other countries in the region that overthrew autocratic rulers.
On October 2011, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton vowed the US would help the Tunisians as they pursue a more peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.
Since the Revolution, the United States committed approximately $190 million in total assistance to support Tunisia’s transition which focused on technical and financial assistance to Tunisia’s economy and private sector.
In addition, the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation is working to invest roughly $150 million in Tunisia. The United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation has extended financial support in the form of direct loans, guarantees, and political risk insurance for the Tunisians.
It was the people of Tunisia that inspired the region earlier on 2011 when they stood up to demand democracy and freedom, sparking a wave of popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East.
Reports say the Tunisian transition has made great progress in 2011, culminating in the holding of peaceful and orderly elections in October 2011 that led to the establishment of a Constituent Assembly.
In 2011, the revolution, part of the Arab Sping resulted in the ousting of autocratic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the first free elections in the country were held.
