The Maghreb’s Response to U.S. Tariffs and Rising Chinese Influence
U.S. tariffs have not yet affected consumer spending in the Maghreb, but as the tariffs are sending shockwaves through global trade—North Africa is not insulated.
Tunisia’s Opposition Faces Mounting Legal Pressure
A Tunis court fined Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Destourian Party (PDL), for defamation, while the Ennahdha movement renewed calls for the release of political detainees. Additionally, the detention of Popular Republican Union (UPR) leader Lotfi Mraihi was extended by four months.
Tunisia: Opposition Politicians and Journalists Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms
Tunisian President Kais Saied intensifies crackdown on opposition as Rached Ghannouchi gets 22 years in prison; others sentenced from 5 to 35 years.
EU Report Accuses Tunisia of Migrant Trafficking to Libya
A report presented to the European Parliament accuses Tunisia of deporting sub-Saharan migrants and selling them to Libyan armed groups.
Tunisia Detains Russians Tourists on Suspicion of Terrorism
Eleven Russians arrested in Tunisia in late 2024 are suspected of terrorism. AFP says authorities claim they possessed equipment inconsistent with tourism during their visit to Haïdra near the Algerian border.
Tunisia: Stranded Oil Platform off Bizerte: Investigations and Removal Plans Underway
Investigations are underway as authorities plan the removal of a stranded oil platform off Bizerte, Tunisia, ensuring compliance with state rights.
Elections in North Africa: No Excitement Ahead, No Change in Course
It’s a big political year worldwide. Many countries have already experienced or will have elections this year, and North Africa is no exception. While serious ideological changes seem to occur in Europe, and uncertainty looms in the US with two aging candidates and...
North Africa Confronted with New Security Concerns
There is news coverage in Spain about Morocco stepping up its military presence near the Spanish-controlled enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and a lot of chatter about a Russian military presence in Tunisia.
Tunisia’s weak economic performance compounded by late data releases
Tunisia’s political system is still compromised, but the economy is showing some signs of minimal recovery. However, one area that is contributing to the inability of decision makers to react to changes and challenges in the economy is the time it takes for economic data to be released.
Brief: Tunisia: The Lazy Governors
Funny news this week from Tunisia where the Presidency of the Republic announced the dismissal of two governors. They are Mondher Sik-Ali of Monastir, on the central coast of the country and Abdelfattah Chakchouk of neighboring Mahdia. The decision to oust the two...
Tunisia’s Slide Toward Autocracy: The Erosion of Democratic Institutions
By Arezki Daoud | Photo: Abir Moussi: Tunisia has been experiencing a fast moving drift towards autocracy, marked by the manipulation of judicial processes, crackdowns on political dissent, and the stifling of civil liberties. This alarming trajectory is exemplified...
22 Islamist militant suspects arrested in Tunisia ($)
Tunisia: Journalist Zied El-Heni released from jail, gets six-month suspended sentence
Tunisian journalist El-Heni was released from prison on Wednesday, 10 January 2024, but he was given a six-month suspended sentence. He was arrested on 1 January, pending his trial, after he was accused by prosecutors of infringing on the person of Commerce Minister,...
Tunisia: Phosphate company signals recovery after a three-year decline (S)
Tunisia neutralizes human smugglers
The Tunisian police reported on January 7, 2024 the dismantling of an alleged human trafficking network in the Sfax region. Authorities say the gang facilitated the illegal movement in and out of the Tunisian territory of sub-Saharan migrants. The operation consisted...
Drought is pushing North African economies to the brink and to social unrest
Drought is wreaking havoc on North Africa’s water supply and on its agriculture. All countries in the region are facing a dangerous water outlook. For example, cash-strapped Tunisia is expected to import almost all its cereal needs. During his visit to Tunis at the...
Tunisia: Three workers assigned to historic World Heritage wall in Kairouan killed after wall collapsed
A section of the historic walls around the Old City of Kairouan collapsed on Saturday, killing three masons carrying out repairs on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tunisian authorities said. Two workers were also injured in the accident, which saw a 30 metre (100...
North Africa’s use of drones in the agricultural sector
By Aymen Jamli: A drone buzzed back and forth above rows of verdant orange trees planted near Nabeul, eastern Tunisia. The black unmanned aircraft, equipped with a multi-lens camera and sensors, has been enlisted by Tunisian farmers to help adapt to years of drought...
Tunisia: Prison escape rattles President Saied
Tunisia's president said Wednesday that the escape of five prisoners convicted of "terrorism" was a well-planned operation that had clearly been in the pipeline for "months". The government has urged Tunisians to be vigilant following the escape of the five from...
Anger in the Arab world over strike on a Gaza hospital
In Libya: Several hundred people protested in Tripoli and other Libyan cities late Tuesday over the deadly strike on a Gaza hospital, according to AFP journalists. In Tripoli, hundreds of demonstrators of all ages, brandishing Palestinian flags and some covering...
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