AGP Executive Report

Tunisia-Sports & Events: Tunisia’s Étoile du Sahel says it has already repaid 1.3 million dinars of a 5.8 million dinars debt, with a new head coach decision expected by next Tuesday, while the Testour Malouf festival’s 60th edition has been cancelled after complaints about interference in the programme and delays in public funding. Tunisia-Weather & Safety: A severe heatwave has pushed the National Institute of Meteorology to place 10 governorates under orange alert, with highs between 41°C and 46°C and sirocco winds. Tunisia-Football & Regional Competitions: Tunisia extended its home winning run in a regional basketball qualifier, and FIBA confirmed Tunisia will host Window 4 Group E games in Radès (Aug 27-30). Regional Politics & Security: Iran says its strikes on US facilities are legitimate self-defense as Gulf states report intercepting attacks; the Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iran’s IRGC Navy. Gulf Diplomacy: Kuwait and Qatar mourn the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

World Cup Knockouts: Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to set up a semi-final against England, while England’s quarter-final win over Norway also sparked fresh debate over whether a camera cable incident should have stopped play. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s fruit exports keep finding buyers abroad, with Libya taking 73% of Tunisian fruit shipments (13,877 tons to July 8). Weather & Safety: Tunisia faces another hot Sunday, with highs up to 46°C in Kairouan, and the Air Force helped contain a Mount Chahma wildfire in Zaghouan. Regional Tensions: The Strait of Hormuz was reported closed after warning shots, and Bahrain activated civil defense sirens amid regional attack reports. Justice Update: A Tunis court rejected a request to release Monder Ounissi and postponed his trial in the audio recordings case to Sept. 25.

World Cup & Tunisia in the spotlight: Tunisia’s World Cup exit remains a talking point as Africa’s overall performance is defended: nine of 10 African teams reached the knockouts, with Egypt reaching the round of 16 and Morocco becoming the first African side to reach the quarterfinals twice, even as Tunisia was singled out for a disastrous campaign. Sports controversy: England’s Norway quarterfinal equaliser sparked controversy after fans claimed the ball hit a camera cable in the build-up, raising questions about whether play should have been stopped. Tunisia justice: The Tunis Court of First Instance’s terrorism-focused criminal chamber rejected Monder Ounissi’s release request and postponed his trial (and others) to Sept. 25 in the audio recordings case. Health policy: Tunisia’s health ministry reviewed maternal and newborn care, pushing for stronger midwife and primary-care skills, standardised protocols, better referrals, and digitised medical records. Migration at sea: In Nabeul’s Kélibia, maritime units and the navy foiled 18 irregular migration attempts; nearly 100 people were arrested and rescue operations continued. Para-athletics: Raoua Tlili won Tunisia’s second gold medal at the Ostrava para athletics meet, adding to her earlier discus success.

Tunindex surge: Tunisia’s main stock index rose 0.82% on Friday to a new all-time high of 20,158.70 points, with active trading led by AMEN BANK and gains at SIPHAT and BNA. Tourism boost: Tunisia’s tourism receipts hit 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year and supporting foreign exchange reserves. Central bank stress test: The BCT’s 2025 annual report points to a risky 2026 outlook, with growth and fuel-subsidy assumptions tied closely to government projections. Finance & debt watch: Tunisia’s total debt growth slowed to 3.9% in 2025 (BCT), while listed companies’ profits rose in 2025. Road safety push: Tunisia is moving to cut road deaths through smart radars and first-aid training. Education in focus: Sousse joined UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities, opening new learning initiatives. World Cup ripple: Tunisia’s World Cup exit and coach changes remain part of the wider debate as Africa’s teams see mixed results, with Egypt’s return home after a historic run. Weather: Saturday brings hot conditions and possible thunderstorms in parts of northern and central Tunisia, with rough seas along much of the coast.

World Cup & Tunisia’s spotlight: Tunisia’s presence in the 2026 World Cup continues to ripple through the region, from fan culture to match-day stories, as Morocco’s exit leaves the Arab region with no teams in the final four and keeps Palestinian solidarity highly visible across stadiums. Sports governance: South Africa’s FA (SAFA) moved to quash reports that Hugo Broos has left his Bafana Bafana role, insisting he remains head coach despite his stated non-renewal plans. Tunisia economy watch: The World Bank says Tunisia’s growth picked up to 2.5% in 2025, but warns the recovery is fragile, with high debt, limited external financing, and weak job creation still holding the country back. Trade & industry: Tunisia’s auto sector is pushing toward higher-value manufacturing and electric-mobility integration, while Turkey’s exports to Africa—especially Morocco—keep climbing, underscoring how regional supply chains are shifting. Travel & mobility: Japan confirmed only three African countries (including Tunisia) qualify for visa-free short stays, but only for holders of machine-readable passports.

Tunisia Politics & Governance: The Head of Government, Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri, chaired a Cabinet meeting on President Kais Saïed’s instructions, reviewing draft laws and decrees tied to energy, food, housing, health and air transport, while stressing a “cultural and administrative revolution” inside public services. Tunisia Courts & Rights: Human rights groups and UN experts warn of a widening crackdown on activists and rights defenders, as Tunisia’s judicial push continues to target dissent. Tunisia Economy & Society: Tunisia’s customs authority says it seized major contraband in the first half of 2026, including 78 kg of cocaine, 17 kg of gold, and large quantities of cannabis and other goods, alongside millions in smuggled foreign currency. Tunisia Football: Tunisia’s World Cup coaching carousel is back in focus after Hervé Renard’s short stint ended following Tunisia’s exit, with the broader theme of many coaches leaving after the tournament. Sports (Tunisia in Africa): Tunisia is listed among countries in the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III in Botswana, while D’Tigers FIBA qualifiers also include Tunisia in their group. Travel & Tourism (Tunisia): A new flight route plan for the UK Midlands includes Tunisia as a destination from Birmingham for next summer, reflecting continued demand for Tunisian travel.

Tunisia’s Rights Crackdown: UN experts and Human Rights Watch warn that silence from the UN Human Rights Council is effectively enabling Tunisia’s widening crackdown on journalists, activists, opposition figures and independent lawyers, with repression tied to the post-2021 power consolidation. Judicial Repression: A new wave of legal action is highlighted as the state jails opponents, brands defunct parties as terrorists, and targets online voices under repressive speech laws—while critics say it distracts from a worsening economic crisis. Politics in Parliament: The Assembly of People’s Representatives is set to examine draft law No. 42/2026 approving the 2026–2030 development plan, with MPs expected to debate priorities, implementation and funding. Tourism Push: Jendouba’s tourism office says a Tunisian businessman has bought a US helicopter to launch tourist flights over Tabarka–Aïn Draham, offering about one-hour rides for 250 dinars per person. Environment Policy: Tunisia moves to ban single-use plastic bags nationwide, with a transition period and requirements for reusable or biodegradable alternatives. Sports & National Mood: Tunisia’s World Cup run ends at the group stage, while the country’s coach Hervé Renard is reported to have left after the exit.

Road Safety Push: Tunisia is counting the cost of crashes: nearly 10,000 victims a year and losses estimated at 1.73 billion dinars (1.15% of GDP). Officials say a 10-year multisector road safety strategy (2025–2034) is meant to cut accidents through a coordinated, participatory plan with the WHO and health, interior and other partners. Economic Support: Tunisia and the Arab Monetary Fund agreed a first extended loan of 76.700 million Arab Accounting Dinars (about $312m) to back the government’s reform programme and help cover balance-of-payments needs, with disbursement in three tranches. Human Rights Alarm: Human Rights Watch warns of a worsening crackdown on activists, journalists, independent lawyers, political opponents and migrants since President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, urging UN action. Court Case: Former presidential candidate Samir Abdeli was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with his driver and secretary also receiving prison terms. Culture & Tourism: Tabarka Jazz Festival returns after a six-year break, with international stars and street performances aimed at reviving tourism in the “Coral Coast” region. Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s presence in the spotlight continues as the World Cup quarterfinal lineup is set, with France vs Morocco drawing major attention.

Human Rights Watch Alarm: HRW says Tunisia is intensifying a crackdown on political opponents and rights activists, citing prison sentences and heavy fines for human rights defenders and urging UN bodies to publicly condemn the repression. Road Safety Push: Tunisia is rolling out a 10-year road safety plan (2025–2034) aimed at cutting road accidents by 50%, built with input from state bodies, civil society, the private sector and the WHO. Heatwave Warning: Forecasts point to a major heatwave that could hit Tunisia and parts of the Maghreb, with temperatures locally near or above 50°C, urging close monitoring. Tunisia Football Fallout: Tunisia’s World Cup coaching shake-up continues after Hervé Renard’s exit following the group-stage debacle, as the tournament triggers wider sideline changes across teams. Tunisia in the World Cup Spotlight: Coverage also highlights Tunisia’s earlier elimination and the wider quarter-final lineup now set. Digital Product Passports for Textiles: Tunisia’s denim sector is preparing for EU Digital Product Passports, with manufacturers adapting to new traceability and recycling requirements. Tunisia Economy Watch: Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.3% in June, alongside ongoing debate over monetary policy and budget pressures.

Human Rights Watch Alarm: UN rights experts and civil society say Tunisia’s crackdown on civic space is intensifying, with courts prosecuting journalists, lawyers and activists, as HRW denounces harsh prison terms and huge fines. Terror Case Delay: Tunisia’s Court of Appeal postponed the Chokri Belaid assassination-related hearing to 13 July, after earlier sentencing of key defendants including former prosecutor Béchir Akremi and Ennahdha leader Habib Ellouz. Tunisian Football Under Scrutiny: A World Cup doping scandal claims eight Tunisian players tested positive for banned substances, raising questions for the Tunisian Football Federation as investigations continue. Tunisia’s Cash Supply: The Central Bank of Tunisia reports 117 million new banknotes and 30 million coins issued in 2025, alongside large-scale processing and recirculation of banknotes to meet demand. Tunisia in the Spotlight Abroad: An Italian-Tunisian aerospace push highlights Tunisia’s bid to attract investment and partnerships through Aerospace Meetings Tunisia in Tunis.

World Cup Shock for Tunisia: Eight Tunisian players returned atypical doping results after banned-substance traces, triggering an investigation that could bring disciplinary action for individuals and the Tunisian Football Federation. Human Rights Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says Tunisian courts have handed prison terms and heavy fines to eight human rights defenders, including Sihem Bensedrine (25 years) and Saadia Mosbah (8 years), warning Tunisia’s civic space is being squeezed. Sports Leadership Fallout: Tunisia’s World Cup coach Hervé Renard has left after a short stint following the group-stage exit, as the federation faces mounting pressure. Tunisia in Industry & Finance: The World Bank/IFC backs Tunisia’s automotive push with $59.4m financing for a German supplier, while MIGA supports the 100MW Sidi Bouzid II solar project. Local Life & Services: SONEDE scheduled water cuts hit multiple governorates, adding to everyday strain. Tunisia on the Map: The Italian ambassador highlighted aerospace cooperation with Tunisia at Aerospace Meetings Tunisia, pitching the country as a regional industrial hub.

Tunisia’s Rights Under Pressure: Tunisian courts have handed harsh prison terms and huge fines to eight human rights defenders, including Sihem Bensedrine (25 years) and Saadia Mosbah of Mnemty (eight years), a fresh blow to civic space. Solar & Power Investment: MIGA approved up to €13.05m (20 years) to back the 100MW Sidi Bouzid II solar project, with electricity to be sold to STEG under a 25-year deal. Energy & Industry Finance: The IFC backed Tunisia’s automotive push with $59.4m financing for Marquardt’s expansion, aiming to upgrade factories and deepen local supplier links. Climate & Politics Roadmap: UNSMIL says the 4+4 committee’s 4th+4 mini-committee meeting in Tunis ended with agreement to draft the final political text, due to be signed next week. Banking & Inflation Watch: Fitch upgraded Banque Tuniso-Koweitienne to ‘CCC’ after restored capital compliance; meanwhile Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.3% in June as food price growth slowed. Football & Tunisia’s Exit: Hervé Renard has officially left Tunisia after the World Cup exit, ending a short stint. Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s Yasmine Hammamet Beach was named the world’s most beautiful beach by TUI’s index.

Tunisia Football: Hervé Renard has officially stepped down as Tunisia head coach after the 2026 World Cup exit, saying he declined a long-term offer and thanked the Tunisian Football Federation for the “exceptional experience” in his brief stint. World Cup Knockouts: Tunisia’s elimination is now part of a wider Round of 16 shake-up, with the USA set to face Belgium for a quarterfinal berth after both teams advanced in dramatic fashion. Tunisia Sports Shock: Tunisia also remains in the spotlight for off-field trouble, with reports of eight Tunisian players returning atypical doping test results tied to a contamination scare. Migration Watch: Alarm Phone says 12 migrants are missing in the western Mediterranean after leaving Tipaza, Algeria, on June 29, with no contact since. Public Health in the Region: DR Congo confirmed a rise in Ebola cases to 1,561, with 506 deaths and 254 recoveries reported. Energy & Finance: China’s RMB Clearing Bank for Africa has been authorized, a move Tunisian media says could ease foreign-exchange pressures for African trade and payments.

Tunisia Football: Hervé Renard has stepped down as Tunisia coach after just 18 days in charge, following the Eagles of Carthage’s World Cup group-stage exit, with defeats to Japan and the Netherlands after taking over mid-tournament. Public Safety: A 7-year-old Emirati boy died after being struck by a vehicle in Tunisia’s Manouba Governorate while on a family trip, with Tunisian authorities detaining the driver as investigations continue. Sports—Basketball: Nigeria’s D’Tigers thrashed Rwanda 106-62 to finish the FIBA World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers window unbeaten (wins over Guinea and Tunisia too), booking a spot in the second round. World Cup—Round of 16: England return to Mexico City’s Azteca for their last-16 clash, with coverage highlighting the stadium’s 1986 legacy and the “Hand of God” controversy involving Tunisia referee Ali Bin Nasser. Tech Recognition: Tunisian cybersecurity volunteer Dr. Nihal Ben Youssef won “Cybersecurity Woman of the Year 2026” in the voluntary work category in Liechtenstein.

Road Safety Tragedy: A 7-year-old Emirati boy died in a hit-and-run accident in Tunisia’s Manouba Governorate while on summer vacation, with his father in the UAE awaiting the body’s return and funeral arrangements. World Cup Fallout: Tunisia’s coach Hervé Renard confirmed he is leaving after just 18 days in charge following the team’s group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup. Football Spotlight: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign also fed wider debate on African teams’ tournament struggles, with commentary pointing to off-field and administrative problems as key barriers. Sports & Society: Tunisia’s name also appeared in global coverage of World Cup viewing and fan culture, as well as broader discussions about how major events affect local life and services. Local Life: Tunisia’s public conversation continues around practical issues, including scheduled water disruptions and cost pressures tied to major national projects.

Tunisia in UK Travel Spotlight: Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will launch two weekly flights to Tunisia from Birmingham Airport starting May 1, 2027 (Wednesdays and Saturdays) through Oct. 30, with stays offered across resorts like Port el Kantaoui, Sousse, Skanes, Mahdia, and Yasmine Hammamet. Birmingham Airport Updates: The same coverage notes Ryanair’s broad network from BHX and highlights Tunisia as a new summer 2027 addition. World Cup Shock for Tunisia: Tunisia’s coach Hervé Renard has quit after just 18 days following the team’s group-stage exit, confirming his departure after losses to Japan and the Netherlands. Tourist Safety Alert: The US State Department warns visitors to avoid “unsafe swimming locations” in Tunisia due to water pollution flagged by Tunisia’s health ministry. Sports Culture Note: A Chinese provincial propaganda account criticized some fans for “cheers” it said crossed boundaries during World Cup coverage that included Tunisia.