Ensure security to protect Tunisia's democracy

Tunisia's transition from a police state ruled by a despot to a true democracy worth emulating has been remarkable. It has offered hope and a semblance of calm in a region grappling with the chaos theory...of terrorism in this case. The country which began the Arab movement for democratic change some four years ago was also the first to be of the people, with ordinary men and women on the street feeling empowered and masters of their destiny. Democracy, however, has not ensured security the country deserves because its institutions are still recovering from the effects of what was known as the Arab Spring. The situation can also be blamed on external and non-state actors.
Tunisians have been resilient and strong, and have sacrificed much for their liberty. But there is violence again at the doorstep, fanned by events outside the country. Extremists are on the loose in Africa, Middle East and Europe. The country, as a fledgling democracy and a symbol of peaceful resistance, is stuck in the middle of tumultous events not of its own making. With neighbours like Libya which continue to stare down the barrel of terrorism following the ouster of the Gaddafi regime, cracks are now beginning to appear in the vaunted Tunisian success story.
The violence in Libya is spilling over into Tunisia and the government has been caught napping. The power of violence can be intimidating but it is important that ordinary Tunisians do not succumb to threats, or fall victim to terror plotters led by Daesh, which again struck in the heart country killing 12 members of the presidential guard two days ago. With Paris burning and Europe churning after terror attacks two weeks ago, the deadly deed in Tunis went largely unnoticed, and mainstream media failed to give it the coverage it deserved. The West is busy targetting Daesh in Syria, and seems to have taken its eyes off the ball in Tunisia.
Without additional security cover, the gains from 2011 will be worthless for this great country. The West has a responsibility in ensuring that the government of President Beji Caid Essebsi remains in full control to ensure protection for its civilians. The country has closed its borders with Libya as a first step, but much more has to be done to ensure Tunisia does not go down the Libyan road to destruction and civil strife.
Another concern is that many young Tunisians are being lured by Daesh to join the conflict in the Middle East. To curb this movement, government should begin a deradicalisation campaign for the youth. It has a responsibility to create jobs for its growing youth population. The country relies on tourism; industrial growth has been dismal. Foreign investments are down to a trickle. Beaches on the Mediterranean coast that once lured tourists from Europe have gone quiet.
Political empowerment should lead to economic opportunity for the youth. For Tunisia, this is a fight for the soul of its democracy.