Press Release
Europe Races Against Time to Exploit Tunisia's Vital Resources
(Translated)

Less than a month after Tunisia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership with the European Union, it was quickly announced that it had secured over 300 million euros from the European Commission to support the financing of an electricity interconnection project between Tunisia and Italy, specifically between Menzel Tamim and Sicily. On August 8th, 2023, the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) and the Italian electricity operator Terna signed an agreement with the European Commission for a grant amounting to 307 million euros to support the infrastructure development of this project. This amount is added to Italy's contribution of 270 million euros to the project. Meanwhile, Tunisia was forced to borrow around 250 million euros from the World Bank on June 22nd, 2023, to accelerate the construction of the Tunisia Converter Station. Additionally, Tunisia borrowed 300 million euros from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to restructure the Tunisian Electricity Company. All this is happening while the country is grappling with a suffocating financial and economic crisis, which its citizens bear the brunt of through their efforts and livelihoods. They are asked for more austerity and patience in the face of the mismanagement of this corrupt regime.

President and CEO of the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas, Hichem Elloumi, emphasized that 'this agreement represents a strategic step towards activating a real energy bridge between Europe and North Africa.'

In this regard, the Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir in Wilayah Tunisia wishes to clarify the following to the public opinion:

First: We have previously warned about the issue of connecting Tunisia to Europe in the energy sector, stating that it is a sinister plot. It signifies nothing but further plunder, control, subservience, and humiliation. Now we see that the regime is moving forward in securing energy for the European master, with little concern for the fate of a people burdened by debt.

Secondly: We also said that the goal of connecting North Africa to Europe in the energy sector is to control renewable energy sources and their origins. This way, Europe becomes the controller of these sources after plundering and controlling fossil fuels. Tunisia's role will be limited to providing cheap labor and developing infrastructure for Europe, with Tunisians bearing the exorbitant costs multiple times over through debilitating loans that worsen deficits, poverty, and dependence. How much longer will this regime continue its stubbornness and pursue a policy of escapism, turning a blind eye to these glaring political truths?

Thirdly: The compliance with the European master pursued by successive governments undermines all speeches about sovereignty and self-reliance. The essence is absolute sovereignty over vital industries (including energy) in terms of production and distribution, rather than tying them to colonial capitalist companies and burdening the country with debt for the sake of European colonizers. They view Tunisia merely as an energy reservoir, benefiting from its sunlight and wind today as they did with its gas and oil in the past, while making its rulers servants of their interests and guardians of their maritime borders.

Fourthly: It has become clear that Tunisia will remain under the watchful eyes of Europeans, not only because it is a source of primary and alternative energy, but also because it is the closest point for connecting it to the continent with the lowest costs. Therefore, there is no way for Tunisia to break free from the yoke of colonialism and reject all forms of subordination except through a dignified and prestigious state that bases its decisions, policies, and laws on Islam. Sovereignty belongs to the Shariah, and authority belongs to the Ummah.

In conclusion, we, in the Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir / Wilayah Tunisia, call upon all sincere individuals, especially those with strength, influence, knowledge, and opinion, to bear the responsibility of supporting Islam and Muslims and liberating the country from Western hegemony and its local instruments. This can be achieved by establishing Khilafah Rashidah (rightly guided Caliphate) on the method of the Prophethood, which will liberate the country and its people, restoring to Muslims their wealth of minerals, energy sources, and other assets that Allah has made public property for the Muslims.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said:

«الْمُسْلِمُونَ شُرَكَاءُ فِي ثَلَاثٍ؛ فِي الْكَلَإِ وَالْمَاءِ وَالنَّارِ»

“The Muslims are partners in three things: water, pasture and fire.”

Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir
in Wilayah Tunisia