Tunisia's Internal Events in 1980 through Iraqi Sources

Abstract

The intellectual and social superiority of the Tunisian people after independence led to the emergence of a conflict in the Arab region. The colonial authority left a significant impact by increasing the divide among the people of Tunisia on one hand and between Arab countries on the other, all to its benefit. Despite this, the Tunisian government and youth looked forward to a future where they could end any form of oppression or violation of their country's sovereignty. This is evident through the events of Gafsa in 1980, where a group of exiled rebels attempted to overthrow the government, occupy government institutions, impose a siege, and declare a provisional government supported by Libya, aiming to convince the populace to escape poverty. They smuggled weapons and encouraged the people to join them, but to no avail, as they were arrested and their leaders punished. Meanwhile, the Tunisian Student Union refused to intervene in state affairs, declaring a state of chaos that was eventually controlled by temporarily closing universities until calm was restored and classes resumed.