Although it can seem as if talking doesn’t get you very far when negotiating peace in your family, the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize was given to four organizations that showed that dialogue was vital in the rebuilding of one devastated country. On October 9, the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet was awarded the prestigious prize for their role in reconstructing the Tunisian government after the 2011 Jasmine Revolution.
Tunisia is a small country in northern Africa. It has been highly influenced by the French and by Islam. One of the problems that led to the revolution was the government’s strong Islamist majority and the lax attitude toward radical Islamists. The government, the Constituent Assembly of Tunisia, was essentially forced to shut down in 2013, unable to continue as normal when 42 of its members withdrew.
What Happened in Tunisia?
The Jasmine Revolution is the name the Western world gave to the Tunisian Revolution. The civil unrest in Tunisia was primarily due to the high unemployment, government corruption, and poor living conditions. The protests began on December 18, 2011 when a young man set himself on fire in protest of having his produce cart taken away by the police. This young man died, but it set off a storm of unrest in Sidi Bouzid, both peaceful demonstrations and riots that could not be quelled.
The President of Tunisia fled the country, and the Prime Minister took over, but looting and violence escalated. The national army could not maintain law and order. Government officials resigned, saying that they did not have confidence in the government. It was a time of instability and inflation. Eventually, a new president was elected, but the country remained in unrest until civil groups stepped in to make the difference.
What Groups Made up the Quartet?
Four civil groups came together and overcame their own differences to attempt to bring peace to the region. These groups included:
- Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT)
- Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA)
- Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH)
- Tunisian Order of Lawyers
It was the UGTT that approached UTICA to form the first alliance. These two groups have historically been considered rivals, making this group even more unbelievable. Later, the other two groups joined. The situation in Tunisia was getting worse, and the UGTT called for negotiations between those in power and the opponents. Between the four civil organizations, they drafted an agreement that drew a map to making dialogue possible.
Under the guidance of the quartet, talks continued in 2013 until a new constitution was ratified, a Prime Minister was chosen, and the current government resigned. Later in 2014, a presidential election was held, and the new government appears to be more stable.
The Peace Prize
Even though Tunisia was in civil unrest, it was dialogue that led to the current state. The Quartet was awarded the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize, which has been recognized as a “path of consensus” by the Tunisian President. President Obama considers the group an “inspiring reminder” of empowerment by citizens to create a democratic future.
Peace came out of endurance and courage, not violence. It was the aegis of the Quartet that directed the peace negotiations and turned the ride in a country that was just steps away from war. It was not a quick process, but over time, the relationships were built that allowed for political and financial commitments to the country to open dialogue and bring about rest for the people.
Hopefully, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize is an encouragement to all nations and individuals that violence does not lead to peace. Even between our differences, there can be agreements that allow all factions to live in harmony.