This week in Tunisia
Domestically, Tunisia grappled with periodic power outages and water shortages, leading to emergency distribution efforts and crackdowns on price gouging. Meanwhile, the country saw growth in its mechanical and electrical industries and announced new vocational training measures, while also preparing for potential autumn floods. Internationally, state-aligned media extensively covered the Gaza conflict, Middle East tensions, and the plummeting shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
About Tunisia
Tunisia, a North African nation, is a land of profound historical significance, boasting ancient Roman ruins, the legendary city of Carthage, and stunning Mediterranean coastlines. As the birthplace of the Arab Spring, its political landscape has seen dramatic shifts, yet press freedoms have notably eroded since 2021, with media facing increasing government interference. This dynamic context shapes both its domestic affairs and international news coverage.
Visiting Tunisia
Media landscape
Tunisia's media environment, once a promising case for press freedom in the Arab world after the 2011 revolution, has seen a significant decline since 2021. Government interference has intensified, notably through restrictive laws like decree-law No. 54 of 2022, leading to increased self-censorship and a polarized media scene.
Be aware that news from Tunisia may be subject to government influence or self-censorship, so seeking diverse sources is advisable.
Sources we track 1
Return of Split Shifts Signals a Different Tunisia
Tunisia returns to a two-session working day on Tuesday, Sept. 1, bringing an abrupt change to daily life. Some universities will reopen the same day, more university students will return on Sept. 12,…
The Question of the Week: How Does the Attention Economy Work?
The first thing many people do after waking is reach for a phone. A few minutes of scrolling may seem harmless, but that daily reflex feeds a business model built around capturing attention. Economist…
Carthage Musical Days 2026: A Mediterranean in Motion
The Carthage Musical Days will take over the city again from October 3 to 10, 2026, for an 11th edition presented as especially rich and ambitious. Under the artistic direction of musician and produce…
Tribute to Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: The eye of sumud has closed
Sliman Mansour’s best-known image shows an exhausted old man carrying Jerusalem on his back. In “Camel of Hardship,” painted in 1973, the city rests on the shoulders of a figure in traditional dress, …
Heat Waves Put Tunisian Agriculture Under Climate Watch
Heat waves, drought and fires are putting Tunisia’s agriculture under growing pressure, testing crops, weakening livestock and further reducing available water. The summer of 2026 is exposing the vuln…
Algerian president seeks death penalty for arsonists after wildfires
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered Algeria to move quickly toward restoring the death penalty for people involved in deliberately starting wildfires. He gave the Justice Ministry until Septemb…
Birth certificates can now be obtained remotely in Tunisia
Tunisians can now request a birth certificate extract remotely through a new digital service announced by the Interior Ministry on Aug. 31, 2026. The service was launched in partnership with the Minis…
Tunisia’s Heat Wave Eases as Temperatures Begin to Fall This Week
Tunisia’s exceptional heat wave is losing strength. Temperatures are expected to fall by 1 to 2 degrees a day, moving away from the peaks of nearly 50°C recorded late last week. Amer Bahba, an associa…
Djebel Bargou wildfire more than 90% contained, with no deaths reported
The wildfire at Djebel Bargou in Tunisia’s Siliana governorate is more than 90% contained, according to Lieutenant Colonel Khalil Mechri, head of the Civil Protection operations sub-directorate. The s…
Egypt to Add $15 Visa Fee From January 2027, Including for Tunisians
Egypt will add a $15 charge to entry and transit visas from January 1, 2027, under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s Decision No. 2553 of 2026. The measure was published in the official gazette and al…
German Foreign Minister Visits Tunis With Economy and Energy on the Agenda
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is travelling to Tunisia and Algeria with a business delegation, placing trade, investment and energy at the centre of the visit. Berlin wants to expand coopera…
Tanit project seeks to unlock Tunisia’s untapped northwest tourism potential
Tunisia’s tourism identity has long centered on beaches, but projects in the northwest are trying to draw visitors toward mountain trails, archaeological sites, natural springs and local crafts. The i…
Tanit Project in Nefza: Protecting Nature Starts with Local People
In Nefza, protecting nature is being linked to investment in the people who live in the area. The Association for the Protection of Nature, the Environment and Sustainable Development is pursuing this…
Taranto 2026: Tunisia Under-21s lose to Algeria and take silver
Tunisia's Under-21 team settled for the silver medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after Algeria won the football final 2-0 on Sunday evening. The Carthage Eagles' young side resisted for a …
Tunisians' behavior shows worrying signs of aggression and indifference, report says
Tunisians' behavior appears to have shifted in recent years, exhibiting worrying signs of increased aggression, individualism, and indifference toward others and the environment, according to a report…
My Moods: The Sea, Still the Sea
This commentary, titled "My Moods: The Sea, Still the Sea," delves into the multifaceted nature of borders, extending beyond geographical lines to encompass the more insidious boundaries constructed w…
Tunisia Diversifies International Partnerships While Preserving Historical Ties
Tunisia is charting an independent foreign policy, prioritizing the diversification of international partnerships to navigate global economic shifts and financing constraints. President Kais Saied emp…
Tunisia's National Childcare Chamber Urges Vigilance Against Illegal Daycares
With the new school year on the horizon, Tunisia's National Chamber of Crèches and Kindergartens is emphasizing the critical need for safety and oversight in childcare facilities. The organization is …
Deadly fires in eastern Algeria leave 73 dead in Jijel province
Eastern Algeria is reeling from a devastating toll as wildfires have ravaged the wilaya of Jijel, claiming the lives of at least 73 people. Among the victims were 21 members of a single family, highli…
Trump announces 'giant deal' for Venezuela's oil reserves
President Donald Trump has announced a significant "giant deal" with Venezuela, securing access to over 65 billion barrels of the South American nation's vast oil reserves. This agreement marks a nota…
Tunisia: 93% of school textbooks printed for 2026-2027 academic year
Tunisia's Ministry of Education has announced significant progress in preparing for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year, with nearly 93% of required school textbooks already printed. This milestone i…
Tunisia's Heatwave Subsides as Thunderstorms Approach
Tunisia is beginning to see a respite from an exceptional heatwave that has gripped the country for days. Temperatures had soared, locally reaching or even exceeding 48 degrees Celsius (118.4 degrees …
Geopolitics: Will Tunisia play its 'Vertical' Africa-Mediterranean-Europe card?
Tunisia's geographic location, straddling the vital routes between Europe and Africa, is frequently cited as a key strategic advantage. This position offers a unique potential for economic and politic…
COP31 Summit in Turkey to Focus on Decarbonization and Resilience
Antalya, Turkey, will host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change from November 9-20, 2026. The summit will convene global representatives from sta…
Grand Tunis faces possible power outages Friday night
Residents in Greater Tunis should brace for potential electricity disruptions on Friday night. The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) has announced that intermittent power outages could occur…
Opinion – 65 years ago, the Bizerta War: The Battle of Evacuation (conclusion)
Sixty-five years ago, on July 21, 1961, French forces launched an assault on the Tunisian city of Bizerta. Around midday, troops neared the Bab Mateur cemetery, initiating attacks on the Farre and Jap…
Tunis hosts Korean 'K-Street Food Day' to boost cultural exchange
Tunis is set to host 'K-Street Food Day,' a cultural and gastronomic event organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. This initiative aims to introduce the public to Korean cuisine and food cu…
Tunisia: Water distributor arrested for hoarding amid heatwave
Authorities in Ariana, Tunisia, have arrested a water distributor based in Mnihla on charges of speculation and hoarding. The arrest follows the discovery that the operator had been stockpiling signif…
Tunisia: Ben Arous to Double Daily Mineral Water Distribution Amid Shortage
The governorate of Ben Arous in Tunisia is set to significantly increase its daily supply of mineral water, doubling the amount distributed to the region. The quantity will rise from 30,000 to 60,000 …
Tunisia's water and electricity crisis: Structural issues, not climate, blamed by analyst
Tunisia is grappling with persistent water and electricity outages, but the causes run deeper than seasonal heatwaves and increased demand, according to economic analyst Khouloud Toumi. She contends t…
Middle East Tensions: Trump Rules Out Timeline for De-escalation Amid Diplomatic Efforts
The United States is shifting its strategy regarding Iran, prioritizing economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure over immediate military action, according to reports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio …
New Book Explores France's Algerian Identity Beyond Colonial Wounds
A new essay by Karim Amellal, "La part algérienne de la France" (The Algerian Part of France), published on August 21, challenges conventional views on the Franco-Algerian relationship. Amellal posits…
Tunisia faces Cape Verde in crucial World Cup qualifier
Tunisia's national basketball team kicks off a critical series of three games in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers today in Radès, facing Cape Verde. The team currently sits third in Group E with 10 point…
Gaza Conflict: 73,431 Palestinians Dead, 174,437 Injured in 'Genocidal Aggression,' Health Ministry Reports
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has released updated figures detailing the devastating toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that "genocidal aggression" has led to 73,431 deaths and 174,437…
A Catastrophic and Dangerous Field: Who Approved Métlaoui's Pitch?
The condition of the football pitch in Métlaoui, Tunisia, has drawn sharp criticism, with the author questioning how the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) could possibly approve such a dilapidated pl…
Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic plummets 85% six months into war
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global trade, is experiencing a dramatic decline in maritime traffic, with an 85% drop in ship passage six months after the outbreak of war in the Middl…
Heritage Sites Become Sets: What Remains When the Lights Dim?
Tunisia's rich historical sites, from the ancient city of Carthage to the Roman theaters of Dougga and Oudhna, and the El Jem Colosseum, are experiencing a surge in use for creative productions. This …
Tunisia announces new vocational training measures for 2026-2027 season
Tunisia's Agency for Vocational Training (ATFP) is set to implement a series of significant enhancements for the 2026-2027 training year. These measures aim to modernize the vocational training landsc…
Tunisia Faces Evening Power Cuts: STEG Lists Affected Areas
The Tunisian Society of Electricity and Gas (STEG) has announced that periodic electricity outages may occur this Tuesday, August 25, 2026. These interruptions are scheduled between 10 PM and midnight…
Electricity cuts affect several areas of Greater Tunis tonight
Residents in several areas of Greater Tunis are advised of potential periodic electricity outages scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) announced that…
Tunisia ranks among top global sources for French 'Talent' visas
Tunisia has emerged as a top global source for talent sought by France, securing the second-highest number of long-stay "Talent" visas in 2025. A total of 2,441 such visas were issued to Tunisian nati…
Galiton: A Centenarian Tunisian Lighthouse Embraces Solar Power
Perched on a rocky islet in the La Galite archipelago, northwest of Tunisia, the Galiton lighthouse continues its century-long mission of guiding navigators in the Mediterranean. Standing at 168 meter…
Kairouan Deploys Enhanced Medical Teams for Mouled Celebrations
Kairouan has established a robust health security system to manage the influx of visitors and participants during the upcoming Mouled celebrations. The regional health directorate has deployed a compr…
Tunisia: Emergency water distribution to combat shortages in La Manouba
La Manouba authorities are implementing a crisis rationing plan to address severe bottled water shortages, driven by summer heat and high consumer demand. A significant contingent of 124,416 two-liter…
Tunisia Cracks Down on Water Price Gouging in Nabeul
Tunisian authorities in the Nabeul governorate have cracked down on illegal price increases and speculative practices related to bottled water. Over the past two days, economic control services identi…
Monastir University Theater Days: The mirror and its cracks
The 20th edition of the University Theater Days (J.T.U.) in Monastir, Tunisia, has been marred by significant organizational failures, with material issues taking precedence over artistic consideratio…
Strait of Hormuz: Vessel traffic drops further
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has continued to fall, with only seven vessels recorded transiting the vital waterway on Thursday. This significant drop, half the number from …
Tunisia prioritizes climate preparedness amid flood risks
Tunisia is bracing for the upcoming autumn season, which typically brings heavy, potentially damaging rains. In response to past flood-related tragedies, authorities are prioritizing anticipation and …
Governing urgency while building the future in Tunisia
A palpable impatience for immediate government action permeates Tunisian society, encapsulated by the phrase "Everything, right now." This sentiment reflects a widespread desire for swift solutions to…
University of Monastir Opens Applications for China Innovation Contest
The University of Monastir is opening doors for young researchers and entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative potential on a global stage. The university's entrepreneurship hub is calling for appli…
Tunisia's Summer Sales See Strong Retailer Participation Amidst Strict Oversight
Tunisia's summer sales season for 2026 has officially kicked off, with a robust engagement from the commercial sector. The Ministry of Commerce and Export Development reported that 611 companies have …
Green Energy Becomes New Bridge Between China and Tunisia
The energy transition is poised to open a new chapter in the relationship between China and Tunisia, transforming their long-standing friendship into a partnership focused on addressing future challen…
Six European countries condemn Israeli settlement project in West Bank
France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and Britain have jointly condemned Israel's decision to issue tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. They described the move …
Tunisia's Mechanical and Electrical Industries Ascend
Tunisia's mechanical, electrical, and electronic industries are on a strong upward trajectory, establishing the North African nation as a vital link in the global automotive and electric vehicle suppl…
France Mobilizes Aid for Farmers Hit by Summer Drought
France is allocating hundreds of millions of euros to support farmers who have suffered significant losses due to this summer's severe heatwave and drought. The government's aid package is designed no…
Public Media and the Fight Against Drugs: Less Slogans, More Truth
Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed has called on public media outlets to abandon institutionalized communication and superficial slogans in their coverage of the escalating drug trafficking crisis. Address…
Water: From shortage to a crisis of confidence
Tunisia is grappling with a "structural crisis" in its water supply that recurs year after year, according to Houcine Rahili, an expert in water resources. He stated that the current situation has bee…
Tunisia launches tender to buy feed corn
Tunisia's Office des céréales has launched an international tender seeking to procure around 79,500 metric tons of feed corn, according to European traders citing Reuters. The deadline for submitting …
Tunisian Club CAB Resolves Debt Issues Amidst Market Complexities
The Tunisian football club CAB has successfully navigated its debt crisis, according to a report from La Presse de Tunisie. The resolution was finalized during a recent meeting at the Bizerte governor…
Tunisian Mufti: Preserving human integrity is key to overcoming social crises
At the 54th international Mouled conference in Kairouan, Tunisia, the Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud, delivered a key address emphasizing the critical importance of preserving human …
Kairouan to Host 364 Events for Prophet's Birth Celebration Focused on Tolerance
Tunisia's Ministry of Religious Affairs is orchestrating a vast national program of over 10,500 religious activities to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The spiritual heartland of Kairou…
Panoro Energy expands in Africa, raising questions about Tunisia's role
Panoro Energy, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, is accelerating its expansion across Africa with a new acquisition in Ivory Coast. The company announced it is purchasing …
School year starts: Registration and re-registration open from this evening
Tunisia's Ministry of Education has announced the opening of online registration and re-registration for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year. The process begins Thursday evening and covers all studen…
EST - Imad Faraj, One More Recruit: Variety of Choices in Attack...
Tunisian club EST is bolstering its attacking options with new recruits like Imad Faraj as the intensive offseason transfer window closes. Coach Reghecampfs, known for his offensive football and high-…
Tunisia: EV charger halted due to grid strain, highlighting infrastructure challenges
A photograph taken at a shopping mall in La Marsa, Tunisia, captures a paradox facing the nation's electric mobility sector. A sign on an electric vehicle charging station announces its "provisional s…
FIFAK 2026: Amateur cinema in motion
Kelibia, Tunisia, will host the 39th edition of the Kelibia International Amateur Film Festival (Fifak) from August 23 to 29, 2026. Organized by the Tunisian Federation of Amateur Filmmakers, the fest…
Tunisia sets economic priorities for 2027 budget amid global uncertainty
Tunisia is charting its economic course for 2027, with a newly defined set of priorities aimed at navigating global uncertainties. The nation registered a 2.4% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in t…
Sousse desalination plant begins testing phase to boost regional water supply
Tunisia's Sousse seawater desalination plant has officially entered its testing phase, marking a significant step toward enhancing the region's water security. Moncef Amara, the project's lead, confir…
Trump: No negotiations underway or planned with Iran, Strait of Hormuz open
President Donald Trump declared that the United States is not engaged in any discussions with Iran and has no plans to do so, while simultaneously affirming that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for …
Gaza: Trump dispatches Kushner, Netanyahu resists
American diplomacy is once again focused on Gaza, with Jared Kushner, an envoy and son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance a peac…
US inflation eases, impacting Fed policy and Tunisian market outlook
Tunisia's financial markets are closely watching the latest US inflation figures, which show a continued, albeit modest, easing of price pressures. In July, the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.4%…
QNB Tunisia Reports Strong First-Half 2026 Financial Performance
QNB Tunisia, a subsidiary of the QNB Group, has announced robust financial indicators for the first half of 2026. These results highlight the bank's sustained commercial momentum, the resilience of it…
Trump Suspends 50% Tariffs on Canada at Last Minute
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a three-day suspension of a planned 50% tariff on a range of products imported from Canada. The surtaxes, originally scheduled to take effect Wednesday, A…
Central Bank of Tunisia adjusts agricultural credit terms and repayment deadlines
The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) has released a new circular, effective immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette, revising the financing scales for cereals and seasonal crops, as well…
Tunisia: Official defends education council appointments amid controversy
Ridha Zahrouni, president of the Tunisian Association of Parents of Students, is pushing back against public controversy surrounding recent appointments to the Superior Council of Education and Teachi…
Tunisia Accelerates Passport and ID Issuance with Digital Services
Tunisia's Ministry of the Interior is streamlining administrative services, significantly reducing the time it takes to obtain essential documents like passports and national identification cards. Str…
Tunisia Launches Structural Social Security Reform, Prepares Initial Texts
The Tunisian government has initiated a significant structural reform of its social security system, with immediate plans to draft the necessary legislative texts. This comprehensive overhaul aims to …
Tunisia Honors 11 Figures in Education and Science with National Order of Merit
Tunisia has honored eleven prominent figures in the fields of education and science with the National Order of Merit. The distinctions, awarded in the third and fourth categories, were formalized thro…
Eggs: The price of four units should not exceed 1.2 dinars, according to producers
Tunisian egg producers assert that the retail price for a pack of four ordinary eggs should not exceed 1.2 dinars (1,200 millimes). This price point accounts for production costs and the profit margin…
Electricity: Will Borj El Amri's expansion secure Tunisia's supply?
Tunisia is bolstering its electricity production capacity to manage the escalating demand, particularly during the intense summer heatwaves. A key project in this effort is the extension of the Borj E…
Manouba: 1,008 bottles of mineral water seized during control campaign
Tunisian authorities have seized over a thousand bottles of mineral water during an economic control campaign in the Manouba governorate. The operation uncovered a significant quantity of undeclared g…
Copper Theft Threatens Electric Charging Infrastructure in France
The proliferation of copper cable thefts is destabilizing the economics of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in France. Since the start of the year, more than 400 complaints have been lodged wi…
Mahres Art Festival Celebrates Enduring Impact in Tunisian Coastal City
The 37th edition of the International Festival of Plastic Arts in Mahres, Tunisia, commenced on Sunday, August 16, and will continue through August 23. This unique event eschews the grandiosity of maj…
Tunisia and Egypt to sign technical cooperation deal in Cairo
Tunisia and Egypt are set to sign a memorandum of understanding concerning technical cooperation, with the agreement slated for signing in Cairo in early September. The announcement was made by Mohame…
Oussama Mellouli and Mouna Béji: Two Tunisians Who Defined the Mediterranean Games
As the 20th Mediterranean Games Tarente-2026 approach, Tunisian sports are celebrating two of its most decorated athletes: swimmer Oussama Mellouli and boules player Mouna Béji. These figures have sig…
Two teenagers drown in Bouhertma dam in Tunisia
Tragedy struck in Jendouba, Tunisia, as two high school students, aged 16 and 17, drowned in the Bouhertma dam. Their bodies were recovered by volunteers on Monday in the village of El Khalaïfia, loca…
Tunisia's Education Policy Regains Strategic Focus with New Council
Tunisia's educational policy is regaining its strategic compass with the establishment of the Superior Council of Education. This new body unites six ministries, a move hailed as a decisive step towar…
Gaza faces health disaster as oxygen supplies run out amid 'Zionist aggression'
Medical officials in the Gaza Strip are sounding the alarm over an impending health crisis, citing the complete exhaustion of remaining oxygen plant capacities. This dire situation is a direct consequ…
West Bank - OCHA: Over 3,000 attacks by settlers against Palestinians
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported a significant surge in violence in the West Bank, detailing over 3,000 attacks perpetrated by settlers agains…
Gaza: Jared Kushner in Egypt to discuss peace plan
Jared Kushner, special envoy and son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the coastal city of El Alamein to discuss regional developments, particu…
Tunisia's food safety authority denies rumors of spoiled Mouled products
Rumors circulating about spoiled Zgougou and dried fruits being sold for the Mouled festival have been firmly denied by Tunisia's National Food Safety Authority for Food Products (INSSPA). An INSSPA r…
Natural disasters caused $100 billion in economic losses globally; $58 billion uninsured
Natural disasters inflicted approximately $100 billion in global economic losses during the first six months of 2026, Swiss Re estimates. This figure marks a notable decrease from the $152 billion rec…
Tunisair punctuality improves to 54% in Q2 2026 amid rising fuel costs
Tunisair experienced a slight decline in passenger numbers during the second quarter of 2026, carrying 656,248 passengers, which represents a 1% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. This dip …
Elissa's Triumphant Return to Carthage Sells Out Amidst Fan Frenzy
Lebanese singer Elissa's return to the Carthage International Festival after a 17-year hiatus was met with overwhelming demand, with tickets selling out at astonishing speed and fetching exorbitant pr…
Tunisia launches pilot program for 47 electric taxis with 10,000 dinar subsidy
Tunisia's iconic yellow taxis are set for a green revolution as the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) launches a pilot program for electric vehicles. Taxi drivers have until September 18 to…
Female Entrepreneurship: Aiming for 20% by 2035
Tunisia is setting an ambitious target to boost female entrepreneurship, aiming for women to represent 20% of all entrepreneurs by 2035. This initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Family, Women…
Tunisian President launches Higher Council for Education, meets citizens
Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed officially inaugurated the activities of the Higher Council for Education in Tunis. This newly established institution held its inaugural session on Monday, marking a sig…
Cereal crops: Agriculture Ministry sets seed prices for 2026/2027 season
Tunisia's Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries has announced official prices for seeds for the upcoming 2026/2027 cereal season. This initiative aims to provide economic stability f…
Tunisian Football's Struggle: A Call for Renewed Focus on Youth Development and Performance Mentality
Tunisian football is struggling to compete with major nations because its foundational structures remain weak, according to Tunisian international Radhi Jaïdi. This assessment highlights a significant…
Expatriates: Raki Aouani in Gyor FC's sights
Tunisian attacking midfielder Raki Aouani, who joined Riga FC earlier this year, may soon be on the move again. Hungarian club Gyor FC has submitted an offer of 700,000 euros for the player, but Riga …