AGP Executive Report

Water & Power Crisis: Tunisia is again facing disruptive water cuts and electricity outages, with President Kaïs Saïed calling the interruptions “planned sabotage” as investigations continue. Public Anger & Politics: Five years after Saïed’s power grab, old grievances are resurfacing in the streets—now fueled by water and power cuts, rising prices, medicine shortages, and unemployment—while political space for dissent has narrowed. Press Freedom Under Pressure: RSF warns that journalism is facing new obstacles as authorities demand extra accreditations and restrict filming, including a case involving Al Jazeera journalists detained while covering the bottled-water crisis. Diplomacy & Economy: Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul met Saïed to push for more balanced Tunisia–EU partnerships and deeper cooperation in higher education, research, vocational training, energy, and tech innovation. Governance & Transparency: The Tunisian Observatory of Economy (OTE) urges faster, clearer publication of budget execution documents and “citizens’ budgets,” citing Tunisia’s low Open Budget Index score. Weather Watch: Thunderstorms with possible hail and gusts over 70 km/h are expected in parts of northern and central Tunisia.

Water & Power Crisis: Tunisia’s summer heat is still biting hard, with reports of sweltering temperatures driving electricity cuts and disrupting water supplies, while “unprecedented” bottled-water queues show a deeper breakdown in trust and access. Government Accountability: President Kais Saied says repeated outages are “planned sabotage,” with investigations underway. Weather Watch: Monday brings thunderstorms and possible hail in parts of northern and central Tunisia, with gusts that could top 70 km/h. Local Governance & Public Finance: The Tunisian Observatory of Economy (OTE) is pushing for faster, clearer budget execution reporting so citizens can track public finances. Energy & Diplomacy: Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul is set to visit Tunisia and Algeria, aiming to boost trade, security talks, and renewable energy links. Regional Focus: Tunisia’s heat-and-water strain continues to echo across the region as Libya explores new groundwater options and Libya factions sign a UN-backed election deal.

Tunisia’s Heat-and-Power Crisis: Tunisia is again sweltering, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C as rotating electricity cuts and water shortages disrupt daily life, strain hospitals, and leave families scrambling for drinking water. Water Shortage Fallout: Despite earlier rainfall, aging infrastructure and grid failures are blamed for taps running dry in multiple regions, with tanker deliveries failing to calm protests. STEG Under Pressure: The electricity squeeze is tied to surging demand from air conditioning, while water-pumping and bottling operations are also hit. Regional Diplomacy: Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to visit Tunisia and Algeria, aiming to boost cooperation on renewable energy and discuss Middle East and Sahel issues. Business and Finance: The EBRD expands its risk-sharing support with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m to unlock more private-sector lending, alongside a new €8.6m ESG facility. Tech Governance: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the 2026 African AI Governance Index, scoring 2.12/4, with strengths in policy building but concerns over talent drain. Culture and Events: Fabrika’s 2026 electronic music festival moves to Monastir (Nov 5–9) with 100+ acts, including Ion Ludwig and Aline Umber.

Water Crisis in Tunisia: Despite early-year rainfall, Tunisia is hit by a severe water shortage, with taps running dry in several regions, water delivered by tankers, and protests erupting as heatwaves, power cuts, and aging infrastructure strain the system. Heatwave Pressure: A second extreme heatwave is driving temperatures near 50°C in places, worsening power outages and pushing hospitals to report more heatstroke cases. Governance & Finance: Tunisia’s state financing is increasingly tied to the banking system, with Central Bank direct advances rising sharply in recent years, raising questions about fiscal sustainability. AI Governance: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (2026), scoring 2.12/4, with strengths in policy frameworks but concerns including talent drain. EBRD Support: The EBRD expands its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m to boost private-sector lending, plus a new €8.6m ESG investment facility. Culture & Events: The Minister of Culture heads to Saudi Arabia for the Arab Radio and TV Festival, while Tunisia’s Fabrika electronic music festival announces its 2026 move to Monastir (Nov 5–9). Weather: Sunday brings partly cloudy skies with thunderstorms and rain in parts of the north and center, gusts during storms, and slightly cooler temperatures.

Heatwave & power cuts: Protesters in Tunis hit the streets demanding President Kais Saied’s resignation over severe water and electricity shortages, soaring living costs and extreme summer heat, with Civil Protection warning of a second extreme heatwave pushing temperatures near 50°C. Local governance & civic space: Tunisia’s Global Sumud Flotilla activists remain detained at Mornaguia Prison for over five months, raising fresh due-process concerns as rights groups call for release and fair, independent trial. Economy & public finance: New Central Bank figures show Tunisia’s state financing increasingly coming from the banking system, with Central Bank direct advances rising sharply—fueling debate over the “money printing press” dynamic. Business & investment: EBRD expands its risk-sharing support with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and adds an ESG-focused €8.6m facility to back private-sector sustainability projects. Trade & construction: CEPEX opens registrations for a Tunisian business mission to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa (Oct 7–10) to find partners in construction materials, infrastructure and energy. Mobility & tourism: SIXT enters Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet, launching at major airports and planning more branches across Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia and Sfax. Tech & AI governance: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (2026), scoring 2.12/4.

Heatwave Crisis: Tunisia is in the grip of a second extreme heatwave, with temperatures near 50°C in places like Kairouan, triggering power cuts, water shortages, and rising heatstroke deaths and hospital admissions; President Kais Saied blamed “premeditated acts” behind the outages as protests grow in Tunis under the chant “neither water, nor electricity, nor freedom.” Local Governance & Work Hours: Tunisia’s government announced a return to winter working hours from September 1 for state employees and public institutions. Rights & Due Process: Four Tunisian activists linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla remain detained at Mornaguia Prison for over five months, with rights groups warning of due-process and fair-trial concerns. Finance & Business: The EBRD expanded its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and added an ESG investment line; CEPEX opened registrations for a Tunisia business mission to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa (Oct 7–10). Tech & AI: Tunisia ranked 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (2026); Google also expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries—though Tunisia is not included. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga rights for Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans in Nigeria and beyond. Mobility & Tourism: SIXT enters Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet, launching at major airports and planning city-center expansion.

Civic Rights Under Pressure: Tunisia’s Global Sumud Flotilla activists Nabil Chennoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughediri and Wael Nawar remain detained at Mornaguia Prison for over five months, with rights groups warning the case risks violating liberty, due process and fair-trial standards. Heatwave & Daily Life: A second extreme heatwave is hitting Tunisia, with temperatures up to 49.8°C in Kairouan; authorities urge hydration and limit outdoor activity as power cuts and water shortages continue. Infrastructure Tensions: President Kais Saied says recent water and electricity outages were driven by “deliberate acts,” not technical failures, and warns of “enemies of the homeland” behind disruptions. Government Work Schedule: Tunisia’s Presidency of the Government announced a return to winter working hours from Sept. 1, 2026 for state employees and public administrative institutions. Mobility & Tourism: SIXT enters Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet, launching at major airports and planning city-center expansion in key tourist hubs.

Heatwave & services strain: Tunisia is in the grip of a second intense extreme heatwave, with temperatures reaching about 49°C in places like Kairouan (49.8°C), prompting high-alert warnings and calls to avoid peak sun and stay hydrated as power cuts and water shortages continue. Presidential blame game: President Kais Saied said the outages were caused by “deliberate acts,” not technical failures, and warned that “enemies of the homeland” are trying to inflame the situation. Working hours change: Tunisia’s government announced a return to winter working hours from September 1 for state employees and public institutions, with adjusted schedules from Monday to Thursday and on Fridays. Infrastructure debate: A separate report on STEG highlights how the long-running electricity and gas model is now under pressure from demand, network strain and financial constraints. Business & investment: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha, with expansion planned including Djerba in 2027. Culture & film: Applications are open for the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 37th edition poster design competition, running until September 4. Regional diplomacy: Qatar pledged support for ending Libya’s political division during a visit to Benghazi, backing UN-led efforts toward an election pact.

Heatwave Watch: Tunisia is on high alert again as a second extreme heatwave pushes temperatures up to about 49°C, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C; officials urge hydration and limiting time outdoors, especially for children, older people and those with chronic illnesses. Power & Water Tensions: President Kais Saied says recent electricity and water outages were caused by “deliberate acts,” not technical failures, and warns of attempts to “inflame the situation,” as Tunisia continues to face cuts and water scarcity. Infrastructure Politics: Saied told senior officials the disruptions are not isolated and promised “concrete measures,” while protests linked to failing public services keep growing. Transport & Tourism: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a Tunifleet partnership, launching car rental services at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha airports, with expansion planned including Djerba in 2027. Local Culture: Applications are open for the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 2026 official poster design competition, with submissions due by September 4. Business: Varun Beverages is preparing to enter Tunisia through a joint venture, pending local approvals, to produce and distribute drinks and other products. Gold Update: In Sfax, traders say global gold gains are outpacing local price increases, which could create an investment opening.

Heatwave Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology issued a high-heat alert for all regions except Kasserine, warning of extreme temperatures and sirocco winds, with advice to protect vulnerable groups and avoid outdoor activity between noon and 4 p.m. Infrastructure Tensions: President Kais Saied said recent water and electricity outages were caused by “deliberate acts” aimed at “inflaming the situation,” adding that concrete measures are coming. Migration Tragedy: Funerals in Ben Guerdane followed the drowning of eight young migrants after a boat sank while heading toward Lampedusa; only one survivor was rescued after being adrift for about 48 hours. Carthage Film Festival: Applications opened for the competition to design the official poster of the 37th Carthage Film Festival (Dec 12–19, 2026), with submissions due by Sept 4. Industry & Mining Cooperation: Tunisia’s Industry and Minerals minister met KPMG Tunisia to discuss cooperation on developing industrial and mining sectors, including investment mapping and value chains. Sports Culture: The JCC poster contest and Tunisia’s broader cultural calendar come as the country also prepares for major regional events.

Heatwave Watch: Tunisia has placed most regions on high alert as temperatures soar, with the National Institute of Meteorology warning vulnerable groups to stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, and limit outdoor activity. Coastal Tragedy: Ben Guerdane mourns eight young migrants after a Mediterranean crossing ended in a deadly shipwreck; only one survivor was rescued after about 48 hours adrift, while protests again target local economic marginalisation. Migration Rescue Update: Italian Coast Guard reports additional bodies found off Tunisia’s coast near Zarzis, as search operations continue following earlier recoveries. Public Safety & Daily Life: La Goulette announces traffic and parking restrictions around Franklin Roosevelt Avenue during the Fish Festival, running daily from late afternoon to midnight. Regional Climate Impact: Algeria’s northern provinces hit by wildfires report at least 12 deaths and dozens injured, underscoring the wider heatwave pressure across North Africa. Business & Tourism: TUI says it will launch direct charter flights from London Gatwick to Djerba next summer, betting on Tunisia’s growing appeal for value-focused holidaymakers. Sports & Culture: Tunisia’s new national team coach Moine Chaabani points to Morocco’s sports investment model as a roadmap for future progress.

Migrant Tragedy at Sea: Italy’s Coast Guard says it has visually located four more bodies off Tunisia after a migrant shipwreck near Zarzis, while Tunisian authorities previously reported 12 corpses and search operations continue. Prison Conditions Under Heat: Tunisia’s prisons are facing a deadly heat wave, with reports of deaths of detainees in Gabes and Borj El Amri and rights groups warning of worsening detention conditions. Human Rights Pressure: A coalition of NGOs is urging Tunisia’s delegation to speak out at the UN Human Rights Council over concerns about rule of law, judicial independence and rights abuses. Local Life & Travel: La Goulette announces traffic restrictions for its Fish Festival, and around 150 easyJet passengers were stranded at Enfidha airport for nearly three days after a Belfast flight cancellation. Economy & Trade: Tunisian date exporters expect an earlier Deglet Nour season but are shifting toward Asia as Morocco’s import quotas and restrictions tighten. Sports: CAF named a Tunisian match commissioner for a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash involving Ghana’s Nations FC in Mali.

Human Rights at the UN: Tunisian NGOs are urging Tunisia’s delegation to speak out at the Human Rights Council over worsening rule of law and judicial independence ahead of the 63rd session (7 Sep–9 Oct). Migration Crisis: Protests in Tunisia followed a migrant boat disaster off Zarzis, with reports of deaths and missing people, as advocates say the tragedy reflects deeper economic failure, not just border enforcement. Judicial Pressure: A separate international spotlight is on Tunisia’s legal system, with calls to address the shrinking space for independent institutions. Health Spotlight: Tunisian dermatologist Asmahan Souissi won a major 2027 Young Dermatologist award for Africa, with the Health Ministry praising Tunisia’s medical talent. Travel Disruption: Around 150 easyJet passengers were stranded at Enfidha airport for nearly three days after a Belfast flight was cancelled due to a technical issue. Sports (Tunisia-linked): CAF named Tunisian Belhassen Bessamra as match commissioner for a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash in Mali.

Mediterranean Games Coverage: 14 broadcasters across 13 countries have signed on for Taranto 2026, with Tunisian TV among the EBU partners and Eurovision Sport streaming extra coverage for the 21 Aug–3 Sep multi-sport event. Health & Recognition: Tunisia’s dermatologist Asmahan Souissi was received by Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani after winning the 2027 Young Dermatologist International Achievement Award for Africa. Migration Tragedy in Tunisia: A migrant boat sinking off southeastern Tunisia has pushed the death toll to 19, with bodies recovered near Ben Guerdane and Zarzis as searches continue for missing people. Local Protests: Ben Guerdane residents staged protests after the wreck, blaming marginalisation and poor opportunities for dangerous sea crossings. Regional Politics: Libya’s 4+4 negotiators signed an initial election pact in Tunis, covering electoral rules and election commission restructuring, though implementation and interim governance remain unclear. Travel & Leisure: TUI is launching new charter flights to Djerba from London Gatwick, with summer temperatures around 34°C and trips starting from £659.

Migrant Tragedy Off Tunisia: The death toll from a migrant boat capsizing off southeastern Tunisia has climbed to 19, with bodies recovered near Ben Guerdane and Zarzis as search teams continue for missing people; authorities say the vessel had more than 15 migrants, including a pregnant woman, and preliminary reports point to links with another nearby shipwreck. Heat & Fire Risk: Tunisia’s Civil Protection warns of a new heatwave starting Tuesday, with temperatures expected to hit 40°C–45°C and an orange alert across 11 governorates due to sirocco winds and thunderstorms that could spark fast-spreading fires. Local Economy & Finance: A new report highlights Tunisia’s microcredit puzzle, where the state sets sharply different lending rules for similar borrowers—raising questions about how the system really works in practice. Culture & Community: Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi is set to bring a women-only Tarab singalong to Abu Dhabi on Aug. 28, blending Tunisian classics with Gulf music. Travel & Tourism: TUI announces new charter flights from London Gatwick to Djerba next summer, aiming to boost access to the Tunisian island’s beaches and desert excursions.

Heatwave Watch: Tunisia’s Civil Protection and the Meteorological Institute have issued orange alerts for 11 governorates as temperatures climb to 40°C–45°C, with sirocco winds and thunderstorms that could bring hail and gusts over 70 km/h, raising wildfire and dehydration risks. Migration Tragedy: Off southeastern Tunisia near Zarzis, a migrant boat carrying 15 people sank; Tunisia’s National Guard says 12 bodies have been recovered and two remain missing, after protests erupted in Ben Guerdane. Tourism & Travel: TUI is launching new charter flights from London Gatwick to Djerba next summer (twice weekly), pitching the island as a warm, “less expected” alternative with package prices from £659. Economy & Trade: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 14.958 billion in the first seven months of 2026, with analysts pointing to rising import bills tied to energy, mobility and healthcare needs. Culture: Fayoum’s Mohamed Abla Caricature Museum in Tunis Village highlights satire and international caricature exhibitions, including works linked to Palestine and Egypt’s history.