AGP Executive Report

Tunisia’s Media Crackdown: The NUJ and SNJT, joined by the IFJ, renewed calls for the immediate release of journalist Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested on Sept. 4 outside Express FM while preparing a water-policy programme, with rights groups warning of intimidation and politically motivated prosecutions. Hunger Strike Update: Pro-Palestinian flotilla activist Wael Naouar remains in pre-trial detention as his hunger strike worsens, with his lawyer describing serious health deterioration and a court date set for Sept. 16. Political Prisoners: Amnesty International urged Tunisian authorities to release opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, citing arbitrary detention and due-process violations after multiple convictions, including a life sentence in June. Economy & Banking: BNA Assurances reported H1 2026 net profit of 8.5m dinars (+17.5%), while UBCI highlighted growth in assets, loans, and deposits in its interim results. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s meteorology institute placed 19 governorates under yellow alert for heavy rain, hail risk, and strong winds.

Labour Unrest: Tunisia’s UGTT has authorized a campaign of action that could include a general strike, citing a worsening economic and social crisis and accusing authorities of deepening problems for workers and marginalized regions. Hunger Strike in Custody: The condition of Tunisian flotilla activist Wael Naouar, jailed for more than three weeks on hunger strike, is described as “very serious” after major weight loss and breathing difficulties. Judicial Pressure on Opposition: Amnesty International is calling for the immediate release of Rached Ghannouchi, alleging severe fair-trial violations and serious health concerns amid multiple convictions. Media Crackdown: The NUJ and international journalist groups are demanding the immediate release of Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested after social media posts and questioned over his reporting. Banking Results: BNA Assurances and UBCI report strong H1 2026 performance, with BNA posting net profit growth and UBCI highlighting profitable asset and deposit momentum. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s meteorology institute has placed 19 governorates under yellow alert for heavy rain, hail risk, and strong winds.

Detention Watch: Tunisian authorities keep four pro-Palestinian flotilla activists in pre-trial detention, as hunger striker Wael Naouar’s condition worsens after more than three weeks without food, with his lawyer warning he’s lost 18kg and is struggling to breathe, walk and speak. Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti, conveyed President Kaïs Saïed’s condolences to Norway’s King Haakon VIII ahead of the late King Harald V’s state funeral in Oslo, underscoring ties in renewable energy, tech and the blue economy. AI & Policy: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s second Artificial Intelligence Summit, urging responsible AI use, investment in digital infrastructure and skills, and stronger governance to bridge digital divides. Media Freedom: Tunisian journalists protested the arrest of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, saying charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering are meant to intimidate independent voices. Business & Trade: CEPEX will host B2B meetings for Tunisia’s construction and building materials firms in Cameroon (Yaoundé and Douala) from Oct. 27–29, aiming to open new market partnerships. Economy: A World Bank Business Ready 2025 snapshot places Tunisia in the fourth quintile, with public services and business insolvency scoring weakest.

Press Freedom Under Fire: Tunisian journalists protested after investigative reporter Mohamed Yousfi was arrested and questioned over alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering, with rights groups warning of a widening climate of fear. Diplomacy With a Meme Twist: Iran’s embassy in Tunisia mocked US President Donald Trump with an Akshay Kumar meme amid the Strait of Hormuz drone standoff, as tensions and oil-price concerns ripple online. Business & Trade: CEPEX will host B2B meetings for Tunisian construction and building-material firms in Cameroon (Yaoundé and Douala) from Oct. 27–29, aiming to open new market partnerships. Investment Climate Watch: A World Bank “Business Ready 2025” snapshot places Tunisia in the fourth quintile, with the weakest scores in public services, economic justice, and insolvency. Regional Cooperation: Vietnam’s ambassador visited Tunisia to push investment links and cooperation in areas like software outsourcing, EVs, textiles, olive oil, agriculture and energy. Culture & Society: A Tunisian electronic collective, Balaclava, marks its 4th anniversary in Tunis on Sept. 19 with a MENA lineup.

Media Freedom in Tunisia: Tunisian journalists protested outside a court over the arrest of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, with the SNJT saying charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering are being used to punish outspoken reporting and intimidate the press. Civil Society Crackdown: The case adds to a wider pattern of detentions and convictions involving media and opposition figures, raising fresh concerns about shrinking civic space under President Kais Saied. Economy & Investment Climate: Tunisia slid to 164th out of 175 in the 2026 Investment Freedom Index, citing heavy bureaucratic hurdles, weak property and corruption scores, and low financial freedom—another blow to investor confidence. Weather Watch: A low-pressure system over the western Mediterranean is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail, with Tunisia’s northern highlands among the areas most at risk later this week. Culture & Regional Spotlight: Tunisia’s presence at international film and advertising events continues, including a Gerety Awards win for a Carrefour Tunisia breast cancer awareness campaign using Sejnane clay dolls.

Press Freedom in Tunisia: Tunisian journalists protested outside a court demanding the release of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, arrested over alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering as critics say the case targets independent voices amid the Saied crackdown. Civil Society Pressure: Human rights groups and the Tunisian Journalists’ Union say journalists face intimidation, with multiple media figures jailed or sentenced this year. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s INM issued a yellow alert for Siliana, Kef and Kasserine, warning of thunderstorms, scattered rain and stronger winds. Energy & Local Development: Kébili reviewed an environmental and social impact assessment for a large wind power project in the Tabbaga area, covering about 7,138 hectares. Sports (Tunisia in the spotlight): Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien and Shooting Stars FC meet in CAF Confederation Cup action, while Tunisia is also listed in a World Rugby Sevens qualifier group for Uganda. Culture & Media: Tunisia-linked Gaza Cinema Academy activities continue to draw international support at the Venice Film Festival.

Water & Power Crisis Fallout: Supermarket chains say mineral water distribution in Tunis and suburbs is now reaching about 2.3 million bottles a day, after a summer of near-daily shortages tied to heat, power cuts and water-pumping needs. Weather Watch: Siliana, Kef and Kasserine are under a yellow alert as thunderstorms, scattered rain and stronger winds are expected. Arab League Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti chaired the Arab League Council session in Cairo, stressing Arab solidarity and calling for protection of Jerusalem and holy sites amid regional tensions. Press Freedom Under Pressure: International groups urge Tunisia to release journalist Mohamed Yousfi, detained over alleged financial offenses as he prepared to discuss the water crisis. Local Development in the South: Medenine’s Habib Bourguiba University Hospital carried out its first pacemaker implantations for four patients. Renewables in Kébili: A consultative review begins for a wind power project covering about 7,138 hectares under Tunisia’s renewable energy push. Sports & Tunisia’s Reach: Ogun State, Nigeria, seeks deeper Tunisia ties in grassroots and club football after CAF Confederation Cup links. Culture & Film: The Gaza Cinema Academy debuts at Venice with Tunisian support, aiming to train young Palestinians—especially women—to make and tell their own stories.

Journalism Under Pressure: Tunisian authorities arrested journalist Mohamed Yousfi, editor-in-chief of Al-Katiba, amid a financial investigation, prompting the Tunisian Journalists’ Union and the Committee to Protect Journalists to demand his immediate release. Cross-Border Friction: The Tunis-Libya border remains a headache for travellers and trade, with local authorities failing to fix persistent obstacles despite recent high-level calls. Energy & Environment: Kébili is reviewing an environmental and social impact assessment for a wind power project in the Tabbaga area, covering about 7,138 hectares, as Tunisia pushes renewable energy targets. Health Access: Medenine’s Habib Bourguiba University Hospital carried out its first pacemaker implant procedures for four patients, bringing specialized care closer to southeastern Tunisia. Weather Watch: Tunisia expects generally stable conditions early in the week, with possible thunderstorms from Tuesday and potential disturbances from Thursday. Sports (CAF): Club Africain secured a 1-0 lead over Djoliba in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg. Regional Spotlight: Preparations began for the 58th International Sahara Festival in Douz, set for Dec. 19-22, 2026.

Tunisia Human Rights: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s crackdown has deepened into “systematic repression,” with arrests, long pretrial detentions, NGO suspensions and convictions of civil society figures since 2024. Tunisia Courts & Journalism: Tunisia’s judiciary has upheld opposition convictions in a state security case, while separate reports say journalists were detained or ordered arrested amid growing pressure on independent media. Tunisia Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty in Cairo, pledging to speed up bilateral trade, consular cooperation and joint investment. Tunisia-EU Travel Tech: New EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rules are prompting fresh travel-delay worries, with advice urging passport holders to prepare to avoid “caught out” mistakes. Tunisia Economy & Energy: Reports highlight rising back-to-school costs and ongoing power and water cuts during extreme heat, while other coverage points to Tunisia’s banking and energy projects moving forward. Tunisia Map Debate: A UN resolution urges “correcting the map” to reduce Mercator distortion, with Tunisia noted as visually “shrinking” on common world maps.

Tunisia–Egypt Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty in Cairo, pledging to speed up bilateral trade, boost consular cooperation and explore new joint investments. Civil Liberties Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s civil society faces growing restrictions, citing arrests, prosecutions, financial probes and suspensions since 2024, with journalists and activists among those targeted. Press Freedom Hit: Tunisian journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges reported as illicit enrichment and money laundering—sparking renewed calls for media independence. Civic Space Warning: HRW and local unions link the crackdown to the wider erosion of freedoms since 2021. Education Costs: Consumer group says back-to-school spending for 2026-27 is up about 8%, driven by items like bags, shoes and sportswear. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Shooting Stars’ CAF Confederation Cup win over CS Sfaxien sets up a tense return leg in Tunisia. Culture: “Show Off” brought fashion’s hidden power dynamics to CIFET in Cairo, using theatre to question consumerism and control.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained after being barred from a radio interview, with charges reported as illicit enrichment and money laundering; the SNJT and rights groups warn the crackdown is shrinking independent voices under President Kais Saied. Human Rights Watch Update: HRW says Tunisia’s rights situation has worsened into systematic repression, targeting civil society, journalists, political opponents, independent lawyers and migrants, including prolonged detentions and prosecutions since May 2024. Water & Cost of Living: Tunisia’s back-to-school bill rose about 8%, with households hit by higher prices for items beyond textbooks and notebooks. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia took over the Arab League Council presidency in Cairo, with the agenda including Palestinian issues and Iranian attacks on Arab states. Sports—CAF: Shooting Stars beat CS Sfaxien 1-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup, setting up the next leg.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s judiciary ordered the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi after police stopped him at Radio Express FM for a planned interview, with charges cited as illicit enrichment and money laundering; the SNJT and rights groups say the move fits a wider crackdown on independent voices. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch warns Tunisia’s rights situation has deteriorated into systematic repression, targeting NGOs, journalists, political opponents, lawyers and migrants through arrests, long pretrial detention, financial probes and suspensions. Judicial Independence Concerns: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld long sentences in a state security conspiracy case involving dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and human rights defenders, drawing renewed international criticism. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia took over the Arab League Council presidency in Cairo, with the agenda focused on Iranian attacks, Gaza and multiple regional crises. Back-to-School Costs: Consumer groups say the 2026-2027 school year bill rose about 8%, driven by items beyond textbooks and notebooks like bags, shoes and sportswear. Business & Finance: Assurances Maghrebia reported a 7.4% rise in H1 2026 net profit to TND 25.6 million.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: A Tunisian judge ordered the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi after police took him in as he arrived for an interview, with charges including illicit enrichment and money laundering; his syndicate says the move signals further erosion of independent media under President Kais Saied. Judicial Independence Concerns: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld convictions in a major state security conspiracy case, with prison terms up to 45 years for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and rights defenders, drawing renewed international criticism. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch warns Tunisia is systematically repressing civil society since 2024, using prosecutions, arrests, financial probes and threats of dissolution to shrink civic space. Civic Space at Risk: The threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, publisher of Inkyfada, has raised alarms over freedom of association and the ability of independent journalism to operate. Cybersecurity Push: The prime minister issued a circular requiring stronger protection of public digital systems, including hosting rules, mandatory HTTPS, multi-factor authentication and annual information-system audits. Energy & Renewables: Tunisia’s El Fahs 75 MW wind farm was selected for Japanese support under the JCM, aiming to boost low-carbon electricity generation. Banking Update: BNA reported a 13.8% rise in H1 net profit to TND 156.3 million, alongside deposit growth and continued lending. Tourism Outlook: A study by IACE highlights five underused tourism niches that could generate nearly 2.7 billion dinars by 2030 and create over 21,500 jobs.

Judicial Crackdown: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and human rights defenders in a state security conspiracy case, closing a three-year legal fight and drawing fresh alarms over judicial independence and civic freedoms. Civil Society Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia has been systematically repressing civil society since 2024 through arrests, abusive prosecutions, financial investigations, suspensions and threats of dissolution—part of a wider squeeze on independent journalism. Energy & Industry: The 75MW El Fahs wind farm in Zaghouan has been selected for Japanese support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, aiming to boost renewable power generation for STEG. Banking Watch: BNA reports a 14% jump in H1 profit to TND 156 million, with deposits and lending to businesses rising. Tourism Push: A study by IACE flags five underused tourism niches that could generate nearly 2.7 billion dinars by 2030 and create over 21,500 jobs. Civic Space: A separate case over the threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, publisher of Inkyfada, raises concerns about freedom of association and independent media.

Judicial Crackdown: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has rejected the final appeals of dozens of opposition figures, upholding prison sentences of up to 45 years in a mass “conspiracy against state security” case tied to alleged plots against President Kais Saied; among those sentenced are Najib Chebbi (12 years) and several others (20 years), with critics saying the judiciary is being used to silence opponents and that defense teams were notified too late. Civil Society Under Pressure: Tunisia’s UGTT, bar association and human rights league warn the country is in a deep political, economic and social crisis, citing restrictions on political and union activity, media curbs, and deteriorating detention conditions. Energy & Daily Life: Reports highlight how power cuts are reshaping business operations as STEG reliability collapses, pushing firms toward self-generation and raising costs. Renewables Deal: Japan’s embassy says Tunisia’s 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind project won a grant under the Paris Agreement’s Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism, alongside other solar projects. Migration Tragedy: Off Spain’s Gran Canaria, a migrant boat incident left around 80 dead, including women and an infant, underscoring the deadly Atlantic route.

Black Sea Food Shock: EU ministers warned that Russia’s renewed blockade and strikes on Black Sea grain routes could trigger another global food security shock, with knock-on risks for Africa and migration toward Europe. Tunisia Rights Under Pressure: Tunisia’s civil society is facing a widening crackdown, with unions and lawyers denouncing restrictions on political, union and civil society activity, plus Human Rights Watch reporting prosecutions, long detentions and prison sentences aimed at shutting groups down. Water & Power Crisis: Tunisia’s summer outages are hitting hard, with STEG power cuts breaking business trust and pushing firms toward self-generation. Renewables Push: Japan’s Embassy says the 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind project won a grant under the Paris Article 6 Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism, adding to Tunisia’s growing solar and wind pipeline. Banking Watch: Attijari Bank reported TND 123 million net profit in H1 2026, with deposits up and lending more selective. Gold Market: In Sfax, gold prices fell and traders are adopting a wait-and-see approach amid dollar-linked uncertainty.