70 years of Tunisian diplomacy: a legacy of excellence and continuity

Tunisia is celebrating National Diplomacy Day this Saturday, marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, established by décret beylical le 3 mai 1956. This founding date recalls the early desire of the independent Tunisian state to equip itself with a structured diplomatic instrument, capable of carrying its voice in a world then crossed by the logic of the Cold War and the dynamics of decolonization.

The first to occupy this position was Habib Bourguibafrom April 15, 1956 to July 29, 1957, before handing over the function to Sadok Mokaddem. This initial accumulation illustrates the strategic importance given to diplomacy in the first years of independence.

Since then, Tunisian diplomacy has been built through generations of political leaders and diplomats who have contributed, to varying degrees, to shaping the image of the country. While certain stints at the head of the department were notable, others, more discreet, faded over time.

Among the great figures, Mongi Slim remains a pioneer. He embodied the beginnings of an ambitious diplomacy, notably by becoming in 1961 the first African to chair the United Nations General Assembly, after having represented Tunisia on the Security Council (1959-1960). His career has permanently placed Tunisia in the influential circles of multilateral diplomacy.

His successor, Habib Bourguiba Jr (1964-1970), consolidated this orientation by developing a balanced diplomacy, while Mohamed Masmoudi (1970-1974) strengthened Tunisia’s regional and Arab commitment. Habib Chatti (1980-1984) and Béji Caïd Essebsi (1981-1986) have, each in their own way, contributed to adapting Tunisian diplomacy to regional changes.

The record for longevity is held by Habib Ben Yahia, who held the position twice (February 1991 – January 1997 then November 1999 – November 2004), ensuring continuity and stability in the conduct of foreign policy. Conversely, the shortest passage remains that of Ahmed Ounaies, from January 27, 2011 to February 21, 2011, in a context of particularly sensitive political transition.

In total, Tunisia has had 34 foreign ministers (excluding Habib Bourguiba), including 13 from January 14, 2011 until May 3, 2026, spread over six presidencies:

Under the presidency of Habib Bourguiba:

• Sadok Mokaddem (1957–1962)
• Mongi Slim (1962–1964)
• Habib Bourguiba Jr (1964–1970)
• Mohamed Masmoudi (1970–1974)
• Habib Chatti (1974–1977)
• Mohamed Fitouri (1977–1980)
• Hassen Belkhodja (1980–1981)
• Béji Caïd Essebsi (1981–1986)
• Hédi Mabrouk (1986–1987)

Under the presidency of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali:

• Mahmoud Mestiri (1987–1988)
• Abdelhamid Escheikh (1988-1990)
• Ismaïl Khelil (1990)
• Habib Boularès (1990–1991)
• Habib Ben Yahia (1991 – 1997)
• Abderrahim Zouari (1997)
• Saïd Ben Mustapha (1997–1999)
• Habib Ben Yahia (1999–2004)
• Abdelbaki Hermassi (2004-2005)
• Abdelwahab Abdallah (2005 – 2010)
• Kamel Morjane (2010–2011)

Under the presidency of Foued Mebazaa:

• Ahmed Ounaies (2011)
• Mouldi Kefi (2011)

Under the presidency of Moncef Marzouki:

• Rafik Abdessalem (2011–2013)
• Othman Jerandi (2013–2014)
• Mongi Hamdi (2014–2015)

Under the chairmanship of Béji Caà ̄d Essebsi:

• Taïeb Baccouche (2015–2016)
• Khemaies Jhinaoui (2016–2019)

The source of the presidency of Kaïs Saïed:

• Sabri Bachtobji (October 29, 2019 – February 27, 2020, interim)
• Noureddine Erray (2020)
• Selma Ennaifer (2020, intérim)
• Othman Jerandi (2020–2023)
• Nabil Ammar (2023–2024)
• Mohamed Ali Nafti (since 2024)

Beyond the portfolio holders, Tunisia stood out for the presence of its nationals at the head of regional and international organizations. Chedli Klibi headed the League of Arab States, Habib Chatti the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while Chedly Ayari chaired the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

In the cultural field, Tunisians have led the Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science, such as Mongi Bousnina and Aziz Ben Achour. In the audiovisual sector, the Arab States Broadcasting Union was led by Tunisians like Slah Maouia, Abdelhafidh Hergam and Abderraouf El Basti.

These trajectories illustrate a constant reality: Tunisian diplomacy is not limited to its ministers. It is also expressed through a network of skills which have established themselves in demanding multilateral environments, contributing to the influence of a country whose influence often exceeds its geographic or economic weight.

Like any institution, it has experienced periods of brilliance and others more subdued. But the essential remains: an anchored diplomatic tradition, respected and called, today more than ever, to renew itself in the face of the challenges of a world in reorganization.

Brahim OUESLATI