Middle East and North Africa

Political transitions from autocracy to democracy are a dangerous time. Risks of conflict are high as new regimes struggle to build or rebuild vital institutions and manage public expectation for rapid change – both political and economic.

Earlier this month youth leaders from 15 Lebanese political parties (pictured) travelled with International Alert to Switzerland to learn about the Swiss experience of democracy. 

The trip, which included representatives from a broad range of political parties in Lebanon, focused on how the Swiss manage plurality in politics and governance. 

This report analyses the activity and influence of civil society organisations in Tunisia over the last two years, identifying the implications and opportunities for the broader Middle East and North Africa region.
 

Full report

We work on issues surrounding citizenship and governance in the Middle East and North Africa, and also provide guidance on strategic investment to regions affected by conflict.
 

In Tunisia we work to create the space and opportunity for civil society organisations and political leaders to work together to address the challenges of the political transition. We believe that a strong and vibrant civil society is essential for ensuring a peaceful transition that responds to the needs of the Tunisian public. To this end we seek to strengthen the capacity of civil society to represent the interests of diverse groups at the political level.

The pressure of participatory politics it taking its toll on Tunisia’s ruling Nahda party. Factions within the Nadha party are all the more prevalent after the resignation of Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali on 19 February. The Secretary General of Nahda relinquished his role as prime minister after failing to convince his party of a plan to unite Tunisia.

Last month representatives from the youth wings of 18 political parties in Lebanon shared a joint declaration on the rights of Palestinian refugees. The declaration was the result of a series of discussions supported by International Alert to encourage peaceful debate among the political parties in the country.

International Alert is proud to present its new annual report, “Peace Talks”, which looks back at Alert’s work and impact in 2011 – when Alert celebrated its 25th year – using dialogue as a theme.

Annual report 2011

From Alert's 2011 Annual Report

"Individuals have to find the courage to say what they fear to say."

From 16th-18th March 2012 International Alert convened a group of 25 civil society leaders from different parts of Tunisia.