“Insight into the Arab Spring and beyond”
Regional Meeting of Schools of Political Studies from Northern and Central Africa during the World Forum for Democracy, 27-29 November 2013
The meeting was attended by participants from the two Schools of Political Studies in Morocco and Tunisia, as well as a delegation from member states of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). It was introduced by Mr Jean-Pierre Filiu, Professor of Middle East Studies at Science Po, School of International Affairs (PSIA), Paris, and followed by a short presentation of the Schools by their Directors, Mr Youssef Laaraj (Morocco) and Mr Ahmed Driss (Tunisia).
The objective was to strengthen the link between these Schools by an exchange of information on activities undertaken and practical lessons that might be drawn from their experiences.
The two Schools were set up following the events in Northern Africa known as the “Arab Spring”. They have actively implemented their mission, which is to accompany and prepare young leaders, by developing and strengthening their skills, to participate actively in politics, to understand their role in society and their responsibility in building a more democratic political and social system, and to foster a new democratic culture in their countries.
The two countries have gone through different national experiences. Tunisia underwent a people’s revolution that lead to the collapse of the previous regime. The changes in Morocco are more of an evolution and are at least partly inspired by the monarchy. All political changes are legitimate aspirations of the people and aim to transform their country and society, to make them more democratic and just, and respectful of the rights of people.
Before opening the floor for discussion, Professor Filiu shared two remarks with participants. Firstly that the current movements are in line with the 19th century movement of Al-Nakhda, the "awakening" of Arab people, fighting for cultural renaissance and the re-appropriation by Arabs of their own history against all forms of colonial intervention. In that context, he drew attention to the very advanced reflection on constitutional issues. Secondly, he pointed out that the inter-generational aspects of the movement that are frequently misinterpreted or demonised. He underlined in particular a link existing between democratic and demographic transitions that allow the Arab world to understand in forty years what Europe achieved in two centuries.
Europe is mentioned as a good reference, but participants underlined that Europe does not really comprehend what their societies need. Bearing in mind the differences between their countries - each revolution has its own framework, logic and particularities - there are also similarities across the Arab world. The Tunisian revolution was accepted mainly by people who wanted democracy, to build a new prosperous country and developed society. Now, after three years, they make the observation that political life has dramatically changed and is degrading. The democratic transition does not seem very successful. There is of course greater freedom of expression, but sometimes the population is shocked by political murders. The elections of 2011 have not brought any profound change to the political situation. In consequence, Tunisia, after 23 October 2012, found itself without a constitution. The political arena is monopolised by parties that have no sustainable project for Tunisia or for its society. There is a huge feeling of deception, disappointment and insecurity, in particular among young people and women. They experience problems with their integration into political life.
The economic situation seems to be determinant for political change. The state is weakening and there is very high unemployment and economic stagnation. Without economic recovery, future political change might be compromised.
The situation in Morocco has evolved since the adoption of a new Constitution. But the population remains disappointed by the slow pace of reforms, regional insecurity, and mainly conservative direction the reform is taking. Many political projects seem to represent a step backward, often being supported by wealthy Arab countries interested in establishing Islamic rules.
Societies in Maghreb countries are in constant movement and this has been so for many years. The ‘People Spring’ is one of the chains of events that contributed to the creation of a democratic political movement. In Morocco, it succeeded in creating a basis for more governmental reforms. The set-up of the “Equity and Reconciliation Commission” strengthened the process of political transition towards democracy. One of the most remarkable achievements is the changes in the status of women, as confirmed by the family code ‘Moudawana’. The movement of 20 February is the continuation of these changes. It lead to the adoption of a new Constitution in 2011. There is significant political and social progress, but the enforcement of its provisions remains a key challenge. It concerns also all new regulation. Building a participative society is still an unachieved objective and there are forces, in particular Islamists, who want to prevent it from progressing.
In conclusion, Prof. Filiu pointed out that it is important to understand how the current movements are in line with a long history and tradition of mobilisation and construction of a collective memory. There are certainly deceptions as to the results of the ‘fresh and joyful revolution’. These revolutions need time. The greatest achievement of these countries is that they have a social structure and collective expectations that are underpinning what the political superstructure can offer. There is a question of ‘political engineering’ to which the participants of Schools of Political Studies may contribute. There are certainly new divisions that do not correspond to the traditional division of movements between the ‘right’ and the ‘left’ with contradictory aspirations. More important are those that aim to re-establish the state, to protect Human rights, and the right to security for people and their property. The economic crisis does not help and the expectations of prosperity are not met. There is a gap that cannot be filled solely by constitutional changes. The issue of implementation is decisive. Consequently, the Schools of Political Studies may have an important role to play in countries during the transition period and may help build more democratic and participative societies.
