There are four SOS Children's Villages in Tunisia.

January 19, 2010: As of January 17, the four SOS Children’s Villages in Tunisia remained safe in the midst of national unrest following the recent overthrow of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali. The president, who ruled Tunisia for 22 years, fled to Saudi Arabia on January 14 after violent protests against his regime that began in mid-December.

SOS-Tunisia National Director Nacer Haj Salem says that although nearby schools are closed, the children and youth living in the SOS Children’s Villages in Gammarth, Siliana, Mahres, and Akouda are going about their normal daily lives.

In the wake of what is being called the Jasmine Revolution, political uncertainty has blanketed the country, and law and order have deteriorated. A hundred protesters are reported to have been killed in clashes with authorities.

Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi, who has taken charge of the government, is considered by street protesters to be aligned with ousted President Ben Ali. Public demonstrators and opposition parties are pressuring him to resign, according to United Press International.

The Situation on the Ground

Central Tunis is filled with security forces and barricades, and helicopters are flying over the capital, according to Nacer Haj Salem. The atmosphere is tense, as residents in many areas rely for protection on local youths equipped with crude weapons. Lengthy traffic delays are occurring because vehicles are subject to searches. Exchanges of fire have been reported in the suburb of Carthage and in central Tunis.

According to a local SOS field report, after a week of street clashes public transportation has started to resume and some shops reopened on January 16. However, shortages of milk and wheat and decreased availability of fuel are affecting daily life. Schools remain closed. Moreover, curfew hours are in effect from 6 pm to 5 am, and gatherings of more than three people have been banned.

It is unclear what the outcome of the political transition will be and how soon authorities will be able to reinstate the rule of law. On January 18 five or more ministers from opposition parties resigned their government posts.

SOS in Tunisia for Almost Thirty Years

SOS has cared for orphaned and abandoned children in Tunisia since 1983. At SOS Children’s Villages, children are surrounded by loving SOS Mothers and supportive communities. They attend SOS schools and receive meals, clothes, and health care. As they become teens, they are taught life and vocational skills to transition to independence.

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