Maghreb Edition

Tunisia goes after speculators taking advantage of the pandemic



Posted On 17 March 2020

Number of times this article was read : 360

Tunisia’s law enforcement authorities have upped their campaign to limit the damage of the speculative practices that put public health at risk. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 in Tunisia, authorities seized nearly 100,000 protective masks, almost 150,000 pairs of medical gloves and thousands of bottles of antiseptic gel intended for sale on the black market at extremely high prices. The police found the products hidden in warehouses and with their owners waiting for the right time to strike.

Sign up to free weekly recap on North Africa and the Sahel

We send out a weekly newsletter every Friday, highlighting the most important events of the week. Sign up today, it is free.

Why Morocco’s Protests Aren’t Just About Youth: The Fight for Dignity and Justice

Morocco is facing its largest wave of unrest in years, with mass protests erupting across major cities demanding better hospitals, schools, and an end to corruption.

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Survey on French Muslims Reopens Debate on Religious Practice, Identity, and Interpretation

A new IFOP survey reports rising religious engagement among young Muslims in France, sparking debate over interpretation, context, and the risks of overstating political meaning in faith-related polling.

Algeria Raises Minimum Wage and Jobless Benefits for 2026

Algeria has announced an increase in its national minimum wage, lifting it from 20,000 to 24,000 dinars per month starting in January 2026, alongside a rise in unemployment benefits from 15,000 to 18,000 dinars. The measures are presented as part of a broader effort to strengthen social protections and address rising living costs in a hydrocarbon‑dependent economy.

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.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.