Several “suspicious” fires have recently taken place throughout Tunis. Last night, for example a fire broke out in a wheat field in the region of Bouhajla, Kairouan Governorate and 3 hectares of wheat were consumed by the fire.
The string of “fires” are strange and there are many theories flying around as to their “real” causes, but as expats what’s important is that we make practical adjustments. We have noticed Tunisian security forces increasing their level of alertness and this could indicate that they are taking these incidents seriously.
Additionally, it’s important to note that Tunisian National Guard units arrested 14 members of a cell linked to Ansar al-Sharia on Tuesday, June 3rd. According to the interior ministry, the group “planned to launch attacks on vital interest in the country.”
Obtaining a fire extinguisher in Tunisia is inexpensive and easy. The best one to get for home use is the ABC model. Obviously, the best place to keep one is in the kitchen and they are pretty easy to use.
Fires aside, it would be a shame if we didn’t highlight the positive vote of confidence that King Mohammed VI gave Tunisia during his visit by simply walking around town with “limited security”.
I guess the message is: “If it’s safe enough for a King…”
A simple google news search is enough to see the stark contrast between the security situation in Libya vs. what’s happening here in Tunisia. Unlike Libya, we’ve been fortunate in terms of general safety & security issues. Still, Tunisian security officials remain very concerned over the situation in Libya.
Here’s a video of a recent car jacking in Libya:
As expats, it’s easy for us to ignore regional challenges and become complainant with our immediate environment. The situation in Libya has and will continue to impact Tunisia.
The UK’s foreign travel maps are another good example of the disparity. If we use the red as an indicator of general safety & security; Tunisia is much safer.
The Spillover Effect
Recently, Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the crisis in Libya is an “internal problem for Tunisia.” I couldn’t agree more with him and we are already feeling the impact. On the ground, more resources are being diverted towards the border in an effort to combat many threats spilling over from Libya.
As expats it’s important the we connect with our community (both local & expat) and follow regional developments.
Let’s keep sharing information and thank you for all your support.
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Over the last few weeks we’ve been discussing the seriousness of residential security and the lack of security on the ground within local neighborhoods. Last night’s incident in Kasserine where gunmen “attacked the home of the country’s top security official, killing four of the police guarding it” is a tragic & powerful case and point.
According to witnesses: “The assailants were hooded and arrived in a pick-up truck around mid-night in an attempt to enter the house. The group was on board of vehicle type Isuzu D-Max and opened fire on law enforcement officers tasked to secure the house”. Additionally, authorities say the militants are linked to Al Qaeda, however it is important to note that militants have not claimed the attacks.
Challenges Ahead
While discussing the incident this morning with one of my most reliable contacts he mentioned a phrase that I often dread: “mezelet” which loosely means “not yet done”. As a man that’s very selective about the words he uses, I’ve learned throughout the years that this means there are challenges ahead.
What types of challenges?
Well when a top security official’s home is attacked it indicates that groups are active & willing to conduct bold operations. With the tourist & political campaign season upon us; this will have widespread consequences and we should see a strong response by the Tunisian security forces.
On the expat side of things we should continue to focus on improving our personal & residential security setup. After these types of incidents there is always a lot of nervous energy & concern, but as informed expats we should simply evaluate our setup and continue to follow practical security guidelines.
Review your routes & routines (set down and simply right down your weekly routine…then think of ways to change your routes so that you’re not predictable.)
Walk around your residence and think of a few ways to make it more secure.
Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and receiving reliable information.
Let’s give credit where credit is due. We have seen some notable security improvements since the technocratic government headed by Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa took office early this year. The recent successful event in Djerba is a good example of the government’s commitment to security.
Even with all the positive news that we’ve seen lately regarding the security situation in Tunisia; things are still hard to read. While security has improved at the border and tourists areas; crime is picking up in local neighborhoods.
During the middle of the night on Thursday (May 22nd/23rd) I received a phone call related to an expat needing security assistance. Located near the Laouina Monoprix, the expat lives in a 2-story home with his family.
Aouina Neighborhood (Not the best neighborhood but certainly not the “wrong side” of town.)
According to the expat, he was awaken in the middle of the night (approx. 1:30am) by his youngest son who was complaining about his arm itching. While retrieving a cream he realized that a window was open.
The open window was enough to make the dad realize that something was wrong. As he made his way downstairs, he noticed the front door was open and the criminals took off with his vehicle (keys were left near the door).
In addition to the car they mostly stole electronic items to include a laptop, storing devices, and stereo speakers.
Obviously, the family was very shaken by the incident.
Who did it?
It’s important to note how the crime was committed before pointing to who might have done it. The criminals came during the late hours of the night. They brought their own tools (ladder in the picture below) and obviously had prior knowledge about the setup of the house.
Who?
Well here’s what we know:
Family recently had (2) “reputable” companies conduct surveys at the home in preparation for their move. If you remember the last incident that I shared which took place in La Marsa also had a company conduct a shipping survey. Important to point out that it was not the same company in both cases.
The guard was not feeling well and left his post at about 10pm. The guard was also notably absent in the La Marsa incident.
So just to recap, we’ve had (2) home invasions in the last 3 weeks. Here’s what they both had in common:
They were both Expats
They just recently had a shipping survey
The guard was absent on the day of the incident
Police Reaction
Night patrols are minimal and ineffective at best. Local hired “street guards” are easily compromised and lack the awareness to respond. Alarms and iron works help but ensuring that only people you trust access your home is very important.
Police search for finger prints…
On a positive side, the police was able to find the stolen vehicle in less than 24hours. The family remains shaken but they will leave Tunis this summer for good.
This is certainly an exceptional case and home invasions are still by no means “normal” in Tunisia. However, the last 2 cases have certainly made us rethink our residential security setup.
Now is a great time for every expat to review their residential as well as their personal security setup. Remember that the key is to have a good balance between practical & effective.
Let’s keep sharing information and if you would like more information on this case or how you can make your home more secure here in Tunis please feel free to email us at:
Let’s give credit where credit is due. We have seen some notable security improvements since the technocratic government headed by Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa took office early this year. The recent successful event in Djerba is a good example of the government’s commitment to security.
Even with all the positive news that we’ve seen lately regarding the security situation in Tunisia; things are still hard to read. While security has improved at the border and tourists areas; crime is picking up in local neighborhoods.
During the middle of the night on Thursday (May 22nd/23rd) I received a phone call related to an expat needing security assistance. Located near the Laouina Monoprix, the expat lives in a 2-story home with his family.
Aouina Neighborhood (Not the best neighborhood but certainly not the “wrong side” of town.)
According to the expat, he was awaken in the middle of the night (approx. 1:30am) by his youngest son who was complaining about his arm itching. While retrieving a cream he realized that a window was open.
The open window was enough to make the dad realize that something was wrong. As he made his way downstairs, he noticed the front door was open and the criminals took off with his vehicle (keys were left near the door).
In addition to the car they mostly stole electronic items to include a laptop, storing devices, and stereo speakers.
Obviously, the family was very shaken by the incident.
Who did it?
It’s important to note how the crime was committed before pointing to who might have done it. The criminals came during the late hours of the night. They brought their own tools (ladder in the picture below) and obviously had prior knowledge about the setup of the house.
Who?
Well here’s what we know:
Family recently had (2) “reputable” companies conduct surveys at the home in preparation for their move. If you remember the last incident that I shared which took place in La Marsa also had a company conduct a shipping survey. Important to point out that it was not the same company in both cases.
The guard was not feeling well and left his post at about 10pm. The guard was also notably absent in the La Marsa incident.
So just to recap, we’ve had (2) home invasions in the last 3 weeks. Here’s what they both had in common:
They were both Expats
They just recently had a shipping survey
The guard was absent on the day of the incident
Police Reaction
Night patrols are minimal and ineffective at best. Local hired “street guards” are easily compromised and lack the awareness to respond. Alarms and iron works help but ensuring that only people you trust access your home is very important.
Police search for finger prints…
On a positive side, the police was able to find the stolen vehicle in less than 24hours. The family remains shaken but they will leave Tunis this summer for good.
This is certainly an exceptional case and home invasions are still by no means “normal” in Tunisia. However, the last 2 cases have certainly made us rethink our residential security setup.
Now is a great time for every expat to review their residential as well as their personal security setup. Remember that the key is to have a good balance between practical & effective.
Let’s keep sharing information and if you would like more information on this case or how you can make your home more secure here in Tunis please feel free to email us at:
Security developments are gaining more attention here in Tunis. With the recent arrest of “eight Islamists from Libya” and the ongoing deteriorating situation in Libya; the words Tunis & security are back on the front page.
Tunisia security forces have also stepped up their efforts in the Chaambi mountains, continuing their effective offensive against militants. With elections slated to take place in November and campaign season starting in the summer; it’s no surprise that things are picking up.
Focus on the road
Even with all this, we continue to remind people that driving is our number 1 concern and your highest safety threat in Tunisia. This week alone we’ve learned of (2) very serious bus accidents.
This accident took place today around around Ras Jebel with up to 45 injuries.
Safe Driver Checklist
Here are a few tips for expat drivers in Tunis:
Make sure your vehicle paper work is good to go. (Insurance, ID, Safety Inspection)
Drive defensively (drive with a sense of purpose)
Make sure you have an insurance form (useful in minor accidents)
Choose your speed (let pedestrians cross but don’t drive overly cautious as this can work against you)
Remember that driving is your number 1 safety threat…so stay focus out there.
Security developments are gaining more attention here in Tunis. With the recent arrest of “eight Islamists from Libya” and the ongoing deteriorating situation in Libya; the words Tunis & security are back on the front page.
Tunisia security forces have also stepped up their efforts in the Chaambi mountains, continuing their effective offensive against militants. With elections slated to take place in November and campaign season starting in the summer; it’s no surprise that things are picking up.
Focus on the road
Even with all this, we continue to remind people that driving is our number 1 concern and your highest safety threat in Tunisia. This week alone we’ve learned of (2) very serious bus accidents.
This accident took place today around around Ras Jebel with up to 45 injuries.
Safe Driver Checklist
Here are a few tips for expat drivers in Tunis:
Make sure your vehicle paper work is good to go. (Insurance, ID, Safety Inspection)
Drive defensively (drive with a sense of purpose)
Make sure you have an insurance form (useful in minor accidents)
Choose your speed (let pedestrians cross but don’t drive overly cautious as this can work against you)
Remember that driving is your number 1 safety threat…so stay focus out there.
