 Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956 under the leadership of Habib Bourguiba, who introduced freedoms found nowhere else in the Arab world and emphasized spending on education. In 1987, Ben Ali took control through a coup. He remains in control today, despite the allegations of manipulation and boycotts that have accompanied his re-elections. The next elections are scheduled for October 2009. Under Ali, the political system became increasingly autocratic and repressive. While there is a pretext of political freedom, there is no real political opposition and hundreds of dissidents have been arrested. The official religion of Tunisia is Islam. Wanting to avoid the problems facing neighbouring Algeria, Ali has outlawed militant Islamic groups and, by law, political parties cannot be religiously based. However, the government controls mosques and pays the salaries of the imams and the Constitution stipulates the country's determination to adhere to the teachings of Islam. The President is also required to be a Muslim. While most other religions are free to practice, the vast majority of Christians are foreign workers and the government officially recognizes only the Roman Catholic Church due to a 1964 concordat with the Vatican. According to church leaders, the practicing Christian population is approximately 1,000 and includes an estimated 200 native-born ethnic Arab citizens who have converted to Christianity. Historically, many who confess Christ end up returning to Islam because of the oppressive environment. The Tunisian government does not permit evangelism or the distribution of Christian literature. - Pray for opportunities to reach out to the people of Tunisia with the Gospel.
- Pray that the Spirit of God will break down the strongholds that have been built up against the knowledge of the Gospel in Tunisia.
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