Saadia Mosbah: A Voice Against Racism in Tunisia

By Okoi Obono-Obla 

Saadia Mosbah: A Voice Against Racism in Tunisia:

Saadia Mosbah is a prominent Tunisian human rights activist who has devoted her life to combating racism and advocating for the rights of Black Tunisians and victims of racial discrimination, including Sub-Saharan migrants. Her relentless efforts have focused on dismantling stereotypes and fostering equality across Tunisian society, promoting a nation free from prejudice, racism, and division.

As a Black Tunisian woman, Saadia Mosbah has personally experienced racial discrimination both in her workplace and in society. Between 10–15% of Tunisia’s population—approximately 9 million people—are Black Tunisians, yet they remain marginalized, discriminated against, and denied recognition and active participation in government and society.

Saadia Mosbah has been at the forefront of the fight for the empowerment of Tunisia’s Black population and African migrants, advocating for their integration into Tunisian society. Recently, controversy erupted when the Tunisian President stated that the government feared Black Tunisians and the influx of Sub-Saharan migrants would alter the country’s demography and Arabic heritage, sparking national and international outrage.

Following the Tunisian revolution in 2011, Saadia Mosbah co-founded the association Mnemty (“My Dream” in Arabic) in 2012–2013, becoming its President. Mnemty is the leading organization dedicated to fighting racism and racial discrimination in Tunisia. Its mission is to combat racial discrimination and hate speech, while promoting equality and freedom from prejudice through education, awareness campaigns, and legislative activism. The association seeks to eradicate racism in all its forms—whether institutional, cultural, or social.

Presently, Saadia Mosbah has been sentenced to eight years in prison and fined by a Tunisian court on charges of financial impropriety. Her lawyer has expressed outrage, alleging that the trial and sentence are politically motivated.

We urge support for the call to release Saadia Mosbah. We also demand that the Tunisian government end all forms of racial discrimination against its Black population and African immigrants, and ensure their full integration into Tunisian society.

Conclusion: Saadia Mosbah’s struggle embodies the fight for dignity, equality, and justice in Tunisia. Her imprisonment represents not only a personal injustice but also a setback for the broader movement against racism. The call for her release is, therefore, a call for Tunisia to uphold human rights and embrace inclusivity.