That's true. I know that from personal experience, because I spent a good part of my working life flying humanitarian flights for the Red Cross in the middle of various African wars: Angola, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda, Libya, and DR Congo, as well as the conflict in Western Sahara in the late 80s / early 90s.

It's precisely because of that personal & professional experience that I know how difficult things can get and how quickly circumstances can change during periods of instability or outright conflict in an African country. Tunisia is unstable right now, and past history suggests that things are going to get worse (more unstable) before they get better.

Remember that Tunisia is unique (for overlanders) because there are only two ways out: the ferry, or crossing into Algeria. The ferry will shut down in a heartbeat if conflict or widespread civil disruption occurs. A sudden need to make a forced, unplanned exit into Algeria (if that is even possible at the time) will be like getting out of the frying pan into the fire.

It's all about risk management, and risk management means taking a prudent look at what could go wrong, and what one's options would be if things do go wrong.

Tunisia is a fascinating place with friendly people - it will still be there in the future to visit once things settle down.

Michael