Maghreb Edition

Tunisia to raise public sector salaries in bid to ease social tensionF

Posted On 16 September 2022

Number of times this article was read : 1021

Tunisia’s government and the country’s powerful UGTT union signed a deal boosting public sector salaries on Thursday,  three months after a strike that paralysed the country. The deal involves a five percent annual hike to public sector wages every year until 2025. The head of the UGTT, Noureddine Taboubi, told reporters after the deal was signed that the first hike would take effect next month. “The agreement was reached after much hard work,” Taboubi said. The cash-strapped government was initially unfavourable to hikes of this scale.

Tunisia has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and global diplomatic fallout from the war in Ukraine, which has sent the price of key imports — notably wheat and oil — soaring. Inflation surpassed  eight percent year-on-year in August. The government is locked in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund over a $2 billion bailout. The UGTT organised a general strike on June 16 that saw flights cancelled, public transport grind to a halt and government offices closed.

AFP

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Algeria-France Trade Drops 23% with Import and Energy Curbs$

Trade between Algeria and France fell by roughly 23% in the year ending June 2026, dropping below €9 billion as import controls and political tensions reshape the relationship. Algeria’s tighter oversight of foreign purchases has sharply reduced French exports—particularly in food, automotive equipment, and industrial goods—while energy-driven exports to France also declined. The figures point to a broader shift as Algeria diversifies suppliers and reduces reliance on its former primary trading partner.

Morocco Faces Balancing Test Over Potential Gaza Security Role$

A reported plan for a Moroccan military outpost in Gaza is raising questions about Rabat’s regional strategy. While participation in a multinational stabilization force could be framed as humanitarian and security support, a visible troop presence inside an Israeli-controlled area risks political backlash at home and abroad. The proposal highlights the tension between Morocco’s ties to Israel and its longstanding positioning as a supporter of Palestinian interests.

Sudan’s Army Gains Ground in Kordofan as War Strains Power and Food Systems$

Sudan’s army is gaining ground in North Kordofan, securing key transport routes that could support a broader push west toward Darfur. But battlefield advances are unfolding alongside a deepening national crisis, with power grid failures, disrupted agriculture and local conflicts compounding the country’s instability. But this latest military momentum is unlikely to resolve Sudan’s widening humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.

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.