‘Vassalage’: Deepening Tunisia-Algeria ties spark mounting scrutiny and backlash

Deepening ties between Tunisia and Algeria are sparking significant criticism and backlash within Tunisia over fears of losing sovereignty. A new, secret defense cooperation agreement signed by the two countries has fueled speculation and concern about a potential 'vassalage' relationship. Tunisian opposition figures and human rights groups are demanding the text of the military deal be made public, denouncing the lack of transparency. Despite the controversy, official diplomatic statements from both nations continue to frame the relationship as a deepening brotherly partnership.