AGP Executive Report

Judicial Crackdown: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and businessmen in a mass “conspiracy against state security” case, with Reuters reporting the ruling is final and cannot be appealed—renewing accusations of political pressure on the judiciary and due-process violations. Civic Space Under Pressure: Rights groups and media watchdogs also point to a wider squeeze on independent voices, including concerns over the threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, the association behind investigative platform Inkyfada. Human Rights Alarm: A Tunisian human rights group says 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme heat and worsening conditions, while authorities have not confirmed heat-related deaths. Economy & Energy: Tunisia’s central bank data shows remittances and tourism revenues topping TND 11.6bn by end-August, but reserves remain tight; meanwhile, STEG warns of rotating power cuts affecting water supplies. Business & Development: BNA reports a 14% rise in H1 profit to TND 156m, and Tunisia’s El Fahs 75MW wind farm was selected for Japanese grant support under the JCM. Tourism Push: A study by IACE says Tunisia could grow tourism revenue by 2030 through underused niches, targeting nearly 2.7bn dinars and 21,500 jobs. Agriculture Watch: Olive oil production is expected to drop sharply next season, with forecasts of 300,000 tons versus 500,000 last season.

Judicial Crackdown: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld final prison sentences of up to 45 years in the “conspiracy against state security” case, rejecting appeals by dozens of opposition figures, including Najib Chebbi (12 years) and others sentenced to 20 years, with lawyers and rights groups calling the process politically driven. Human Rights in the Spotlight: A Tunisian rights group says 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme heat, citing suffocation, poor ventilation and overcrowding, while authorities say they have not confirmed heat-related deaths. Civil Society Under Pressure: Separate reporting highlights journalists and commentators facing convictions or prison threats while some remain free, underscoring a wider squeeze on press freedom since Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab. Regional Context: Tunisia’s legal and rights turmoil comes as the country also faces wider regional pressures, including migration tragedies reported near the Canary Islands. Business & Industry: Tunisian textile innovation PigmentOco won an Avantex Fashion Pitch award in Paris for a more water-saving dyeing approach, signaling continued momentum in Tunisia’s fashion and tech ecosystem.

Civil Society Under Pressure: Tunisia’s UGTT, Bar Association and human rights league warn of a deep political, economic and social crisis, citing shrinking rights and freedoms, pressure on civil society, and deteriorating detention and media conditions. Energy Crisis Fallout: A report on Tunisia’s summer power cuts says trust in STEG has broken, pushing firms to self-generate power and reshaping business costs and operations. Financial Oversight: Tunisia’s BCT and Financial Market Council sign a cooperation deal to strengthen integrated supervision and information-sharing. Banking Update: Attijari Bank posts H1 2026 net profit of 123 million dinars, with higher investment revenues. Trade & Jobs Signals: Fishery exports post a TND 66.7m H1 surplus, while the El Fahs 75 MW wind project secures a Japanese grant under the Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism. Sports & Regional Links: CAF Champions League prelims kick off Sept 4-6; Tunisian clubs Espérance and others enter the season’s early rounds.

Civil Society Crackdown: Human rights groups say Tunisia has prosecuted and detained dozens of civil society-linked people, with convictions and long preventive detentions used to shut organizations down, as HRW warns the authorities are trying to close the space for activism. Water & Power Crisis: Coverage highlights mounting anger over power and water cuts amid extreme heat, with officials and rights groups pointing to systemic failures and rising pressure on daily life. Global Sumud Flotilla: A Brazilian activist renewed calls for the release of four Tunisian colleagues detained after the 2025 Gaza aid flotilla, saying they’ve been held for months despite earlier releases and re-arrests. Public Sector Reform: The prime minister issued a circular pushing faster structural reforms for public enterprises, focusing on performance indicators, transparency, asset management and accountability. Sports—Mediterranean Games: Tunisia’s Aymen Bacha won silver in the 110kg snatch at Taranto, adding to the country’s medal haul. Football—CAF: CS Sfaxien arrived in Nigeria ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash with Shooting Stars, seeking a strong first-leg result.

Civil Society Crackdown: Tunisia is escalating pressure on NGOs and activists, with Human Rights Watch warning President Kais Saied’s government is trying to shut down civil society through prosecutions, preventive detention, financial investigations and mass suspensions. Courts & Dissent: Ahead of a final appeal at the Court of Cassation on 3 September, Amnesty International urged Tunisia to overturn convictions in an “unjust conspiracy” case tied to peaceful opposition. Water & Power Crisis: The crackdown is unfolding as public anger grows over ongoing power and water shortages during extreme heat. Telecom Regulation: Tunisia’s telecom regulator INT eased rules on how operators and ISPs must present advertising for telecom offers, aiming to update the framework for new digital channels. Transport: SNCFT published long-distance train schedules valid from 1 September 2026 to 30 June 2027 (excluding Ramadan). UNESCO Recognition: Tunisia officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, Tunisia’s first UNESCO-listed geopark.

Wildfires & emergency response: Tunisia’s Civil Protection says summer wildfires have destroyed over 14,000 hectares since June 1 to Aug. 30, with 13,463 fires extinguished and no casualties reported, though weather and winds rekindled blazes in hard-to-reach areas like Mount Bargou in Siliana. Power & daily life: STEG warns of intermittent power cuts on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. across Greater Tunis, North, Central regions, Sfax and the South/Southwest, while public administration returns to split shifts the same day. Water safety: The National Food Safety Authority confirms drinking water distributed via public networks (SONEDE) is safe and potable, citing ongoing monitoring and compliance with health standards. Education access: The Education Ministry opens a remote registration platform for school dormitories and cafeterias (and grant applications) for 2026-2027, starting Sept. 3 via viescolaire.education.tn. Economy & trade: Tunisia’s fishery exports rose in H1 2026 to about 14,000 tonnes worth 329 million dinars, with Italy the top destination; imports also increased. Sports (Tunisia-linked): D’Tigers keep World Cup hopes alive after beating Cape Verde 100-84 in Radès, and Tunisia is set to face Egypt in a volleyball quarter/semi context after Rwanda advanced.

Power & Water Crisis: Tunisia’s heatwave continues to bite as STEG warns of intermittent power cuts on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. across Greater Tunis, North, Northwest, Central Tunisia, Sfax and the South—timed to protect grid stability and likely to disrupt water systems. Wildfires & Evacuations: Authorities evacuated 100+ families in Kairouan and Siliana after fast-moving blazes driven by strong winds, with military aircraft and civil protection teams responding; no casualties reported. STEG Operations: The return of split shifts in public administration overlaps with the afternoon outage schedule, forcing businesses to plan around possible electricity interruptions. Food Prices in Sfax: A local market price check shows peppers and tomatoes at 1.9 dinars/kg, chicken at 8.9, lamb at 60, and sea bass at 26. Weather Watch: Rain was recorded in several regions, topping 24 mm in Kef (Sers), with totals varying by locality. Regional Politics: Libya’s rival camps signed a UN-backed roadmap for elections within 24 months, aiming to end institutional division.

Water & Power Crisis: Tunisia is seeing fresh protests as heatwave conditions worsen daily life, with reports of water and electricity cuts, rising prices, and growing anger; President Kais Saïed says disruptions are “planned sabotage,” while STEG warns of rotating power cuts. Press Freedom Under Strain: CPJ urges Tunisian authorities to release imprisoned journalists Zied el-Heni, Mourad Zghidi, and Borhen Bsaies after reports of prisoner deaths linked to extreme heat and overcrowded conditions. Diplomacy & Investment: President Saïed met Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul, calling for a review of Tunisia–EU agreements and pushing for more balanced partnerships, including in higher education, research, vocational training, energy, and tech innovation; deals worth nearly €100m were discussed. Economy & Rates: Tunisia’s money market rate edged up to 7% in August, after holding near 6.99% in July. Education Access: The Ministry of Education launched a “Find a book” digital service to help parents and students locate available school textbooks ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. Sports (Tunisia in focus): D’Tigers’ World Cup hopes stayed alive with a win over Cape Verde, while Tunisia’s Mediterranean Games participation schedule for Tuesday, Sept. 1, was published.

Water & Power Crisis: Tunisia is again hit by severe heat, with reports of water and electricity cuts disrupting daily life and officials describing repeated interruptions as “planned sabotage,” while weather services warn of thunderstorms, rain and possible hail, plus strong winds. Insurance Watch: Tunisia’s insurance sector posted solid momentum in the first half of 2026, with direct insurance turnover up 13% to 2,529.2 million dinars, led by life and motor segments. Tax Deadlines: The September 2026 tax calendar sets key dates for individuals and companies, including September 15 and later deadlines for provisional instalments and monthly returns. Diplomacy & Business: Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul begins a Tunisia and Algeria trip, aiming to deepen economic ties, renewable energy cooperation and regional security, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations with Tunisia. Regional Sports: South Sudan’s Bright Stars swept Tunisia in FIBA World Cup qualifying window action, while Tunisia’s own football coaching news sees Raja part ways with Nasreddine Nabi and move toward Paco Jémez. Environment & Risk: A wildfire flare-up at Mount Boulmane in Siliana reignited with gusts over 100 km/h, forcing reinforcements and renewed firefighting.

Heat Crisis in Tunisia: Tunisia is again sweltering, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C as rotating power cuts and water shortages disrupt daily life and strain hospitals, while demand for electricity and water spikes with the heat. Water Shortage Fallout: Despite earlier rainfall, taps run dry in multiple regions, and tanker deliveries haven’t stopped protests as aging infrastructure and outages keep bottling and distribution systems under pressure. Tunisia Basketball (World Cup Qualifiers): Tunisia lost to South Sudan 75-79 in Radès, leaving the team still fighting after earlier results in the fourth qualifying window. Libya Elections Deal: Rival Libyan factions signed a UN-backed agreement to amend election rules and hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months, with UN support for implementation. Tunisia Football & Local Clubs: Raja Club Athletic has parted ways with Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi amid disagreements over recruitment and transfers. Sports Roundup: In Tunisia-hosted junior tennis, Pakistan’s Ahtesham Humayun won the J60 doubles title in Megrine; and Tunisia’s U21 settled for silver at the Mediterranean Games after a 0-2 loss to Algeria.

Water Crisis: Tunisia’s taps are running dry as a severe water shortage hits amid extreme heat, power cuts and aging infrastructure, with authorities relying on tankers while protests grow in multiple regions. Health Under Strain: An independent doctors group warns of a “health emergency” as emergency departments report an unprecedented rise in heatstroke deaths and admissions, with officials yet to publish full figures. Energy & Environment: A gas extraction and treatment unit at the Errahma controlled landfill is nearing 90% completion, aiming to cut emissions and later generate green electricity. AI & Policy: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index, scoring 2.12/4, while Google expands free student AI access across 27 African countries—Tunisia is notably not included. Culture & Media: Tunisia’s Minister of Culture heads to Saudi Arabia for the Arab Radio and TV Festival, and Fabrika’s 2026 electronic music lineup drops with a new Monastir beachside venue (Nov 5–9). Sports: Tunisia’s Chaima Toumi wins silver at the 2026 World Taekwondo Championships; meanwhile, Tunisia’s football and basketball coverage continues as regional qualifiers and league results roll on.

Water Crisis & Heatwave: Tunisians are struggling as extreme heat, power cuts and aging infrastructure leave taps running dry, with protests growing and water delivered by tanker; doctors’ groups warn of an “unprecedented” rise in heatstroke deaths and hospital pressure. Public Health Alarm: An independent doctors’ organization says emergency departments recorded a sharp jump in deaths and admissions, urging a formal health emergency as authorities have yet to publish official figures. Energy-from-Waste Progress: Tunisia’s Errahma landfill gas extraction project is about 90% complete, aiming to cut greenhouse emissions and later convert methane into green electricity. Governance & Economy: EBRD expands its risk-sharing support with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m, while new figures highlight the state’s growing reliance on the banking system and central bank advances. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Ligue 1 Pro matchday results include Club Africain edging ES Hammam-Sousse 1-0, with Espérance of Tunis set to play JS Omrane Sunday; Tunisia also hosts World Cup qualifier action as D’Tigers face key pressure in qualification. Culture & Media: Venice Film Festival scraps its main jury press conference, amid heightened political debate around the Israel-Gaza war.

Heatwave Fallout in Tunisia: Protesters in Tunis are demanding President Kais Saied’s resignation as extreme temperatures near 50°C fuel power cuts, water shortages, and rising heatstroke deaths and hospital admissions, with Saied blaming “deliberately planned acts of sabotage.” Migrant Tragedy and Rights: Tunisia-linked coverage highlights continued detention concerns for four Global Sumud Flotilla activists over due process and fair-trial worries, while separate reporting recalls deadly migrant boat losses off Tunisia’s coast. Sports—Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s men’s basketball team fell 61-83 to Cameroon in World Cup qualifiers and now faces South Sudan; Tunisia also appears in regional football qualifiers and Mediterranean Games results. Regional Football Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga EA Sports rights for Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans including Nigeria. Tech and Education: Google expands its free AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries—excluding North Africa, including Tunisia. Business and Policy: Tunisia’s cheque law is criticized for boosting cash outside banks and expanding informality, as cash circulation tops 30 billion dinars.

Civic Freedoms Under Pressure: Four Tunisian activists tied to the Global Sumud Flotilla—Nabil Chennoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughediri and Wael Nawar—have been held for over five months, with rights groups warning the detention risks violating liberty, due process and fair-trial standards. Sports—World Cup Qualifiers: Tunisia’s men’s basketball team was beaten 61–83 by Cameroon in the 2027 FIBA qualifiers in Radès, and now faces South Sudan on Sunday as qualification pressure grows. Sports—Basketball Results: Nigeria’s D’Tigers also lost again, 82–79 to South Sudan, leaving the race tight in Group E. Migration Tragedy: Tunisia continues to mourn after a migrant boat sinking off the coast killed 14, with bodies recovered and protests reported. Heat & Safety: Tunisia remains under heatwave alerts, with forecasts pointing to very high temperatures and sirocco effects. Economy & Markets: The Tunis Stock Exchange ended July 2026 up, with Tunindex rising 0.88% even as transaction value fell. Finance Law Debate: MP Issam Chouchen says Tunisia’s cheque law has pushed more cash into circulation and expanded the informal market.

Heatwave Watch: Tunisia is under a second intense heatwave, with the meteorology institute warning of temperatures up to 49°C (Kairouan 49.8°C) and high-alert conditions across many regions, while a gradual cooling is expected from mid-next week. Power & Water Crisis: President Kais Saied says recent water and electricity cuts were driven by “premeditated acts” meant to inflame the situation, as outages can last over 10 hours and water supply relies on electric pumping. Migrant Tragedy: Tunisia says it has recovered the final bodies from a migrant boat sinking off Zarzis, bringing deaths to 14 with one survivor, after search teams worked with naval, civil protection and army support. Winter Hours Return: The government announced a return to winter working hours from September 1 for state employees and public institutions. Sports—Basketball: Tunisia kicked off the 2027 World Cup qualifiers window with a 60–56 win over Cape Verde in Radès, with the next match against Cameroon. Sports—Football: Espérance Sportive de Tunis completed the signing of forward Hazem Mastouri on a three-year deal. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar pledged support for ending Libya’s political division during a visit to Benghazi. Algeria Wildfires: Deadly wildfires in Algeria’s north killed at least 12 people and injured dozens amid the same extreme heat gripping the Maghreb.

Migrant Tragedy Update: Tunisia’s National Guard says it has recovered the last missing bodies from an irregular migrant boat sinking off Zarzis, bringing the toll to 14 dead and ending search-and-rescue; the boat carried 15 people and only one survived. Heatwave & Power/Water Crisis: A second extreme heatwave is pushing temperatures near 50°C, with most regions on high alert; President Kais Saied says prolonged water and electricity cuts were caused by “premeditated acts,” not breakdowns, as Tunisia faces outages that can last over 10 hours. Sports—World Cup Qualifiers: Tunisia’s Radès hosted key FIBA qualifiers: Tunisia beat Cape Verde 60-56 with Omar Abada scoring 26; D’Tigers lost 78-62 to Cameroon as Yves Missi dominated. Regional Sports—Volleyball: Kenya’s Malkia Strikers continued their CAVB title defence by sweeping Mali 3-0 to stay perfect in Group A. Business—Mobility: SIXT enters Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha-Hammamet, with expansion planned including Djerba in 2027.