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Tunisia’s Main Union Calls Nationwide Strike Amid Political Tensions
Tunisia’s largest trade union, the UGTT, has called a nationwide general strike for January 21, 2025, to protest growing pressure on critics and the suspension of traditional wage talks with the government. The move marks a sharp escalation in a country where the union once brokered democratic compromise but now warns that political centralization, economic hardship, and stalled social dialogue are pushing Tunisia toward a new period of instability.
Washington Initiates Review Process for Possible Terrorism Designations of Muslim Brotherhood Branches
The United States has opened a formal review into whether specific branches of the Muslim Brotherhood meet the legal criteria for terrorism designation, signaling a procedural shift without yet issuing any listing. The process focuses on country-level chapters and remains under evaluation by the State and Treasury Departments.
Tunisia: Wage Dispute Triggers Widespread Bank Shutdowns in Tunisia
A nationwide banking strike in Tunisia has halted operations across major institutions as employees protest falling living standards and demand wage hikes
Tunisia: Economic Pressures Erode Household Purchasing Power
A Fitch Solutions report published in October 2025 finds that the average Tunisian household’s purchasing power has declined by 11.1% since 2019, with real incomes struggling to keep pace with inflation and economic growth. The report notes that while consumption continues to rise, it outpaces GDP growth and savings, deepening the country’s structural economic challenges.
Tunisia: Pollution Uprising in Gabès Turning Into Sustained Protest Movement
Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Gabès, Tunisia, demanding the shutdown of a polluting chemical complex and drawing national attention to public health, broken government promises, and the urgency of real change. As the crisis escalates, Gabès is testing Tunisia’s ability to respond to grassroots mobilization against environmental and political neglect.
Tunisia: Protests in Gabès Over Pollution and Repression
Amid mounting health complaints and widespread youth unrest, Gabès, Tunisia faces a wave of arrests following protests against polluting industry.
Algeria and Tunisia Expand Military Cooperation Amid Regional Security Tensions
Algeria and Tunisia signed a renewed defense cooperation agreement in Algiers on October 7, 2025, expanding their 2001 framework to include joint training, border operations, and intelligence exchange. The pact, confirmed by both defense ministries aims to strengthen coordination against terrorism, trafficking, and irregular migration along their shared frontier.
Depression: Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya Among Africa’s Highest Prevalence Countries
North Africa has some of Africa’s highest depression rates: Tunisia (7.57%), Morocco (6.54%), and Libya (5.72%) all rank in the continent’s top ten according to The African Exponent (2025). Persistent economic challenges, unemployment, and regional instability have driven a surge in mental health issues—particularly among youth—with many cases still untreated due to social stigma and gaps in health services.
Tunisian SMEs Warn of Economic Paralysis Over 20% Bank Guarantee Rule
Tunisian SMEs say a new rule requiring a 20% bank guarantee for service contracts risks shutting them out of the market and harming the country’s business climate, with experts urging the government to revise the measure.
Tunisia: Diaspora Funds Provide Lifeline for Tunisia’s Economy
Tunisians abroad sent home 6.5 billion dinars (about $2.05 billion USD) by September 2025, with remittances providing a crucial source of stable income and foreign currency for the national economy.
Tunisia: Armed Militias Attack the UGTT
On August 7, 2025, unidentified men attempted to forcefully enter the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) offices in Tunis, calling for its dissolution, a day after President Kaïs Saïed, in reaction to a transport sector strike, had publicly accused union members of “treason.”
Tunis’ Crumbling Infrastructure: 1,500 Buildings Deemed At Risk of Collapse
Tunisia’s capital region faces a mounting urban safety crisis as officials warn of structural risks to residents In what may be one of the most underreported urban safety risks in North Africa, municipal authorities in Tunis have disclosed that more than 1,500...
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.
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