Tunisia’s journey to independence began in 1907 with the formation of the Young Tunisian Party. By 1920, the Destour party had built a strong political base supported by local communities. This momentum lasted until 1934, when a new generation of nationalists formed Neo-Destour party and energised the independence movement with fresh ideas and leadership.

Habib Bourguiba soon emerged as the leading figure in Tunisia’s struggle for self-rule. The French authorities, alarmed by the growing independence movement, banned Neo-Destour and imprisoned Bourguiba in several French jails, where he spent nearly two decades.

World War Two temporarily halted Tunisia’s push for independence but also led to a turning point for Bourguiba. He was transferred to a prison in Rome under Axis control and resisted Nazi attempts to use his influence over Tunisian independence fighters against the Allied forces. His refusal and belief that Germany would ultimately lose the war resulted in his release in 1943 after the Axis defeat at El Alamein in Egypt.

After returning to Tunisia, Bourguiba proposed a policy of gradual independence that won widespread support. In June 1954, the election of French Prime Minister Pierre Mendès France led to a policy of colonial withdrawal aimed at reducing violent unrest in French territories. While France initially retained control over Tunisia’s foreign affairs, the country gradually moved towards self-governance.

Morocco’s independence in November 1955 added momentum to Tunisia’s cause. On March 20, 1956, Tunisia officially gained independence with Bourguiba as its founding leader. Since then, Tunisia has maintained cordial relations with France and other Western nations, continuing important economic and cultural ties to this day.

–ChannelAfrica/ Thuto Ngobeni–