 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. 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. Wanting to avoid the problems facing neighbouring Algeria, Ali has outlawed militant Islamic groups and, by law, political parties cannot be religiously based. Despite this, there is increasing pressure from Islamic groups to make Tunisia an Islamic nation. The official religion is Islam and the government controls mosques and pays the salaries of the imams. While most other religions are free to practice, the vast majority of Christians are foreign workers. One estimate from 2001 claims a total of two thousand practicing Christians with a total of two hundred indigenous believers who have converted from Islam. Historically, many who confess Christ end up returning to Islam because of the oppressive environment. The government does not permit proselytism 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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