Irish in Tunisia asked to exercise caution after gun attack

Irish citizens in Tunisia have been advised to take extra precautions in parts of Tunis following Wednesday’s gun attack, but the Government stopped short of warning those intent on travelling from doing so.

There are fewer than 20 Irish people registered as resident in the north African country, which has been a popular travel destination.

On Wednesday evening, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan condemned the “vicious mass killing” which, he said, was designed to undermine political developments in the country since the Arab Spring was sparked there in 2011.

His department said it was unaware of any Irish citizens having been caught in the shootings at the Bardo museum, where the death toll included 17 foreign tourists.

Situation monitored

The Irish Embassy in Madrid, Spain and the Irish honorary consul in Tunis are monitoring the situation.

“I condemn the vicious mass killing which took place earlier today in Tunis, targeting Tunisians and tourists alike,” the Minister said in a statement.

“This attack is a deliberate attempt to undermine Tunisia’s achievements since 2011 in delivering a democratic state, which reflects the aspirations and rights of all its citizens.”

Mr Flanagan expressed his condolences to the governments of Italy, Spain, Poland and Germany, all of whom are thought to have had citizens killed in the attack.

“We must continue to work together for the stability of the Middle East and North Africa, and to support security and peace and address the terrorist threats to the people of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.”

Official advice

Irish citizens in the country, or those travelling there, were asked to heed official advice, including that people register their presence in Tunisia with the Department of Foreign Affairs database in order to make them contactable if necessary.

Updated information was issued following the gun attack, specifically requesting those present to avoid the area around the Bordo museum.

“Citizens should monitor closely the local media and follow the instructions of the Tunisian security authorities,” it said.

The Tunisian honorary consul in Ireland, Louis Maguire, said he had received little contact from the estimated 400 to 500 Tunisian nationals living here, and that he was awaiting further information on what had taken place.

The general overview of the Department of Foreign Affairs on Tunisia recommends travellers there exercise caution.

Travel to the Chaambi Mountain National Park area on the border with Algeria is advised against, as is “all but essential travel” to Tunisia’s Greater South region, including the areas bordering Libya and Algeria.

Jasmine Revolution

Tunisia’s “Jasmine Revolution” in 2011 precipitated widespread political unrest and violent protest.

An official state of emergency, implemented in 2011, was only lifted last March. Elections followed late last year, with Beji Caid Essebsi sworn in as president on December 31st.

The department had previously noted an increase in terrorist activity in Tunisia in the last two years, adding ominously: “Further attacks can’t be ruled out and these could be indiscriminate, including in major cities and places visited by foreigners, like hotels and shopping centres. You should be vigilant at all times.”