Othman Jerandi, born in 1951, is a Tunisian politician and diplomat.
He began his career in 1979 in the government of Tunisian Prime Minister Hedi Amara Nouira. With a degree in communications, Jerandi laid the foundation for his extensive diplomatic journey.1
II. Diplomatic Career Timeline
1979 – 1988: Early Diplomatic Roles
1981 – 1988: First Secretary, then Counsellor in the Embassy of Tunisia to the State of Kuwait.
1990s: Building Expertise in Foreign Affairs
1990 – 1994: Counsellor to The Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the United Nations, New York.
1994 – 1997: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republics of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia with residence in Lagos.
Late 1990s: Expanding Roles
1998 – 1990: Counsellor in the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
1998 – 2000: Director of Political, Economic, and Cooperation Affairs with Africa and the African Union.
2000s: International Representation
2000 – 2002: Ambassador of Tunisia, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (New York) in charge of the Security Council.
March 2002: Elected Chairman of the commission on the Status of Women (CSW), an organ of the Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC) for two consecutive Sessions.
Mid-2000s: Focus on Korean Diplomacy
2002 – 2005: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tunisia to the Republic of Korea (Seoul).
2005 – 2008: Director General of International Conferences and Organizations.
Late 2000s: High-Level Roles
2008 – 2010: Chargé de Mission in the cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
2010 – 2011: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tunisia to the Kingdom of Jordan.
August 2011 – November 2012: Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations (New York).
2010s: Ministerial and Advisory Positions
March 2013 to February 2014: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia.
2014 – 2019: Consultant in International Relations and Multilateral Diplomacy.
April 2020 – September 2020: Senior Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the Republic.
Since September 2020: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad.
III. Notable Achievements and Contributions
Jerandi’s diplomatic journey includes chairing significant international bodies, representing Tunisia in various capacities, and contributing to diplomatic efforts on regional and global issues.
IV. Recent Diplomatic Engagements
On 8 July 2021, Jerandi received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The discussion centered around enhancing consultation and coordination on regional and international issues, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by the Syrian people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also reviewed UN and international efforts to provide humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering in Syria.
48th session of OIC CFM addressed with Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi
Tunisia President Fires Foreign Minister Amid Political Crisis
Tunisian President Kais Saied has taken another bold step in the midst of a political crisis by dismissing the country’s foreign minister, Othman Jerandi.2
This marks the fourth ministerial change within the year in the politically divided nation. Nabil Ammar, Tunisia’s ambassador to the European Union, is set to replace Jerandi in the crucial role.
Ministerial Reshuffle:
President Saied, who has already replaced ministers in trade, agriculture, and education earlier in the year, has now made a significant change in the foreign affairs portfolio.
This move comes amid deepening political divisions and follows a series of strategic decisions made by Saied since his power grab in July 2021.
Background of Political Divisions:
Since Saied’s dramatic power consolidation in July 2021, Tunisia has witnessed heightened political tensions.
The president’s actions included the dismissal of the government, suspension of parliament, and the acquisition of extensive executive powers. A new constitution was swiftly pushed through in a referendum, significantly diminishing the role of the parliament and establishing a hyper-presidential system.
Economic Challenges and Public Discontent:
Tunisia is grappling with mounting economic challenges, including strikes by teachers and transportation workers, as well as shortages of basic goods such as milk.
In January, only 11.4 percent of Tunisians participated in the second round of voting for the now weakened legislature, following calls for a boycott by opposition parties.
The public discontent has increased pressure on President Saied, with critics accusing him of orchestrating a “coup” in the birthplace of the pro-democracy Arab Spring uprisings.
International Financial Negotiations:
These political developments are occurring against the backdrop of Tunisia’s prolonged negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package worth nearly $2 billion.
The outcome of these negotiations will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic future and addressing the pressing challenges it currently faces.
Tunisia’s minister of foreign affairs, Othman Jerandi, has called for an end to Israeli occupation’s daily violations against Palestinians and urged governments and citizens in Muslim world to use social media to challenge the discourse of “discrimination, hatred & Islamophobia.” pic.twitter.com/ry0dTnFbA2
— PALESTINE ONLINE ???????? (@OnlinePalEng) March 23, 2022
Othman Jerandi: A Career in Diplomacy and Public Service
Early Career and Education
Othman Jerandi embarked on his professional journey in 1979, initially serving under the government of Prime Minister Hédi Nouira.3
Graduating in communications, he laid the foundation for a distinguished career in diplomacy and public service.
Diplomatic Assignments
As a career diplomat, Jerandi’s extensive experience includes serving as the Tunisian ambassador to various countries.
His diplomatic roles spanned across South Korea, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Jordan. Additionally, he contributed significantly as Tunisia’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
Ministerial Positions
In 2013, Othman Jerandi assumed the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Ali Laârayedh government.
Later, he continued to play a crucial role in the Mechichi government as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This underscores his enduring commitment to shaping Tunisia’s foreign relations and policies.
Family Life
Beyond his professional achievements, Jerandi is a devoted family man. Married and the father of two children, he manages to balance his demanding career with personal responsibilities.
Ambassador Blome’s Farewell Meeting with Minister Jerandi
Appreciation for Warm Welcome
Ambassador Donald Blome concluded his tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia with a meeting yesterday with Minister of Foreign Affairs Othman Jerandi.4
During the meeting, Ambassador Blome expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received from both the Tunisian government and its people.
Bilateral Cooperation Acknowledged
The ambassador took the opportunity to thank Minister Jerandi for the close bilateral cooperation on various regional and international issues
. Their collaboration has been significant in addressing mutual concerns and fostering diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Commitment to Democracy and Reform
In their discussions, Ambassador Blome emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy in Tunisia.
He advocated for the implementation of an inclusive political and economic reform process. This, he emphasized, should be achieved through coordinated efforts involving political parties, unions, and civil society.
Endorsement of Collaboration
Ambassador Blome’s tenure, marked by this farewell meeting, showcased the commitment to collaboration between the United States and Tunisia.
The meeting served as a platform to reflect on shared values, achievements, and the way forward in promoting democracy and reforms in Tunisia.
Meeting Between Secretary-General and H.E. Mr. Othman Jerandi
The Secretary-General of the United Nations held a meeting with His Excellency Mr. Othman Jerandi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various matters of mutual interest and cooperation between the United Nations and Tunisia.
Reiteration of United Nations Commitment
During the meeting, the Secretary-General reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to support Tunisia.
This affirmation underscores the ongoing collaboration and assistance that the international organization is dedicated to providing to Tunisia in various areas.
Discussion on Libya and the Middle East Situation
A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the current situation in Libya and the broader Middle East region.
The Secretary-General and Minister Jerandi engaged in a dialogue regarding the challenges, developments, and potential avenues for resolution in these areas. This reflects the shared concern and commitment to addressing regional issues through diplomatic means and international cooperation.
Meeting between Wang Yi and Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi
Prelude to the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC
On November 29, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting with Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi in Dakar.
This meeting took place just before the commencement of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
China’s Perspective on FOCAC
Wang Yi emphasized that FOCAC is a noteworthy model of South-South cooperation. China expressed appreciation for the positive efforts made by various African nations, including Tunisia, in preparing for the forum.
China attaches importance to African aspirations and visions for cooperation, envisioning that with joint efforts, the forum will outline an ambitious blueprint for China-Africa cooperation over the next three years.
This, according to Wang Yi, would inject fresh vigor into the friendship between China and Africa.
COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage
Highlighting the disparity in COVID-19 vaccination coverage between Africa and other regions, Wang Yi underscored that China is committed to making COVID-19 vaccines a global public good.
China pledged to pool resources to provide more vaccines to Africa, fostering solidarity and collaboration to overcome pandemic-related challenges.
Democracy as a Common Value
Wang Yi asserted that democracy is a shared value of humanity and the legitimate right of all nations.
He emphasized that the judgment on a country’s democratic status should be made by its people and not by a few foreign nations. Warning against drawing ideological lines under the guise of democracy, Wang Yi cautioned that such actions would be disastrous for the world.
Tunisian Acknowledgment and Collaboration
In response, Foreign Minister Jerandi expressed sincere thanks to China for its support during the challenging times of COVID-19.
Jerandi commended China for aiding developing countries, including Tunisia, and emphasized the negative consequences of stoking division and abandoning multilateralism.
He appreciated China’s attention to African needs and its role in guiding FOCAC to balance overall African development while considering local differences.
Strengthening Africa-China Cooperation
Jerandi highlighted the importance of leveraging the FOCAC to solidify the foundation of Africa-China cooperation.
He stressed the need to use the forum to support Africa’s independence and self-improvement, aiming to garner increased international attention to developmental issues in Africa.
Othman Jerandi: Net Worth
Othman Jerandi, a figure of interest, possesses a notable net worth.
This financial standing, reflective of his assets and earnings, is a subject of curiosity and speculation. In this discussion, we explore Othman Jerandi’s net worth as of 2023.
Net Worth Overview:
As of 2023, Othman Jerandi’s net worth is estimated to be within the range of $1 million to $5 million. This broad spectrum signifies a level of financial success, but the precise figure within this range remains undisclosed.
Factors Influencing Net Worth:
Several factors contribute to Othman Jerandi’s net worth. These may include his professional endeavors, business ventures, investments, and other financial activities. Delving into these aspects can provide insights into the sources of his wealth and the dynamics influencing its fluctuations.
Professional Background:
Examining Othman Jerandi’s professional background may shed light on the avenues through which he has accumulated his net worth. Details regarding his career, achievements, and roles in various industries or sectors are essential components in understanding the financial landscape he navigates.