Pretoria - South Africa has welcomed the adoption of the new constitution in Tunisia, saying the country has shown the world the value of dialogue, consultation and consensus.
“This historic document serves as proof that African countries can address their own challenges and produce organic legislation which meets the demands and aspirations of their people,” International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said on Monday.
Despite many challenges, Monyela said the people, elected officials and the government of Tunisia have remained steadfast in their determination of a democratic dispensation.
“Tunisia has, in the adoption of this constitution, overcome the adversities it was facing and became a shining example to the region and it is hoped that its example and experience can be drawn upon by others.”
Tunisia's Parliament on Sunday adopted the constitution, the country's first since massive public demonstrations ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.
The actions of Tunisian citizens sparked a wave of popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East that became known as the Arab Spring, which also led to the toppling of regimes in Egypt, Libya and Yemen.
Pretoria said the success of the national dialogue should not be ignored by other countries undergoing a democratic transition.
Monyela added that the South African government remains committed to support the democratic transition of Tunisia. – SAnews.gov.za
