Tunisia turns down IMF loans to join BRICS
After a long wait, Tunisia is now refusing loans from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) with a view to joining BRICS. Tunisia wishes to leave certain international institutions and turn to BRICS because of problems encountered with Western countries. This news comes as a great shock to the IMF, as it was not expected.
Mahmoud Ben Mabrouk, spokesman for Tunisia’s political bureau, declared that his country would like to join the BRICS. This is a group of leading emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, often seen as an alternative to Western hegemony. In November, neighboring Algeria officially applied to join the BRICS. Ben Mabrouk reacted by declaring that Tunisia would follow in the footsteps of its North African neighbor.
However, a researcher by the name of Sharan Grewal would cast doubt on all these releases. She says it’s unclear how official the offer is. This does not come from President Kais Saeid or any government official; rather, it comes from one of the many political movements that have emerged in favor of the President since 2021”.
Read: Emmanuel Macron asks to join BRICS: a bold decision with global implications
What are Tunisia’s reasons for turning to BRICS?
Tunisia had requested financial assistance to invest in its economy. Unfortunately, this was blocked due to differences over the country’s migration policy. Indeed, the Tunisian president made a controversial and racist speech about sub-Saharan migrants, which sparked tensions and negative reactions. As a result, some international institutions have suspended their financial support for Tunisia.
Tunisia then expressed its interest in joining BRICS, which surprised some observers. Some believe that this could be a way of showing their dissatisfaction with foreign interference and seeking new economic opportunities. Others see this as a form of intimidation to induce Western countries to reconsider their position, to increase their aid from now on and to offer financial support without interference.
However, China, in particular, supports the expansion of BRICS membership and sees this as an alternative to Western hegemonies and interference that profit from plundering African resources. Tunisia is therefore keen to join this group, and is looking to strengthen its relations with other emerging countries such as Algeria and Egypt, which have also expressed an interest in joining BRICS.
Towards economic independence
Tunisia wants to avoid foreign interference in its economic development and is looking for new opportunities by turning to emerging countries such as BRICS. It should be noted that no country has yet evolved with the ardent support of the IMF, as this is a trap that leaves African countries crumbling under the weight of debt. The example of former Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli should be copied, because he didn’t need any aid to develop his country, he did it with taxpayers’ money.
In reality, Africa is not as poor as many people think; people are just driven by a spirit of begging. To this end, mentalities must change if we are to aspire to countries that respect and develop themselves. We also need to establish a win-win system for Africa, to enable its countries to progress and benefit from the fruits of their labor.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
