AGP Executive Report

Heatwave Watch: Tunisia’s meteorology institute put most regions on high alert as a heatwave with sirocco winds pushes temperatures up, warning children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions to limit exposure and drink water often. Wildfire Tragedy (Regional): Algeria reported at least 12 deaths and 54 burn injuries as wildfires swept through Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou, with dozens of families evacuated. Migration Crisis: Ben Guerdane mourned eight young migrants after a boat sank while trying to reach Europe; only one survivor was found, and local protests renewed calls for action on the conditions driving the crossings. Public Anger: A new report highlights renewed protests in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied step down amid power and water shortages. Sports (Tunisia): Tunisia’s U-20 qualifiers rosters were set for AFCON 2027, while FIBA Window 4 rosters confirmed Tunisia in Group E for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

Migrant Tragedy at Sea: Italy’s coast guard says it has spotted four more bodies off Tunisia after a migrant shipwreck near Zarzis, as Tunisian authorities reported 12 corpses and rescue efforts continue. Heat and Prison Conditions: Tunisia faces a severe heat wave, with rights groups and families alleging deaths linked to overcrowded prisons and failing basic services like water and electricity. Protests and Public Services: New opposition-led protests in Tunisia target President Kais Saied over worsening power and water cuts, with demonstrations growing amid extreme temperatures. Economy and Trade: Tunisia’s cash economy hits a new record as banknotes and coins in circulation exceed 30 billion dinars, while Tunisia also ranks among top suppliers supporting Libya’s private-sector imports via documentary credits. Sports—Local Spotlight: Ugandan midfielder Rayn Figo Kizito signs a two-year deal with ES Hammam Sousse, adding to the growing presence of foreign players in Tunisia’s top flight. Culture and Community: La Goulette launches its Fish Festival with street closures and a carnival-style programme blending seafood, heritage and interfaith tolerance.

Migrant Crisis: Tunisia faced fresh tragedy as a migrant boat capsized off its coast, with reports of multiple deaths and missing people, triggering protests and renewed calls for action. Power & Water Disruptions: STEG warned of possible rotating power cuts across Greater Tunis and other regions between 10 p.m. and midnight, while drinking-water supply disruptions were also reported. Human Rights Watch: Tunisian NGOs urged the UN Human Rights Council to address intensifying rule-of-law and judicial independence concerns in Tunisia ahead of the 63rd session. Sports & Regional Ties: Tunisia’s football scene stayed in focus with Mediterranean Games coverage, including Tunisia’s win over Morocco in U20/21 football, while Tunisia also appeared in broader African qualifiers and broadcaster lineups for Taranto 2026. Business & Economy: Tunisia-linked developments included gold price movement in the country and reports on cash-economy growth, alongside ongoing debate over agricultural inputs like fertiliser amid distribution failures. Culture & Community: Mawlid al-Nabi commemorations drew attention in Tunisia and Morocco, with public celebrations reported across cities.

Mediterranean Games Coverage: 14 broadcasters across 13 countries have signed on to air Taranto 2026 (21 Aug–3 Sep), including Tunisia’s Télévision Tunisienne and other North African and European partners, with Eurovision Sport streaming extra coverage. Heat & Fire Risk: Tunisia’s Civil Protection warns of a major heatwave from 25 Aug, with temperatures up to 48°C and heightened wildfire danger; farmers and breeders are also urged to protect livestock and manage irrigation. Rain Brief: Some regions saw brief relief, with rainfall up to 13mm recorded in Béja (Téboursouk) and Siliana (Bou Arada). Migrant Tragedy & Protests: Search efforts continue after a migrant boat sank off southeastern Tunisia; volunteers resumed the hunt, while Ben Guerdane saw violent protests over living conditions and the wider push factors behind risky sea crossings. Gold Watch: Tunisia’s jewellery traders expect gold prices to climb further, with the gram of finished jewellery potentially reaching 470–500 dinars by year-end. Health Recognition: Tunisian dermatologist Asmahan Souissi received an international award for Africa, praised by the Health Ministry. Sports & Culture: Tunisia’s referee Ali Bin Nasser is linked to Maradona’s “Hand of God” ball, sold at auction for about $3.35m; meanwhile, Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi is set for a women-only Tarab singalong in Abu Dhabi.

Migrant Tragedy in Ben Guerdane: Volunteers and coast guard teams kept searching after a boat carrying 15 migrants sank off Tunisia’s southeast coast, with 12 bodies recovered and the death toll reported rising to 19 as protests erupted in Ben Guerdane. Police used tear gas after crowds burned tyres and blocked roads, with residents demanding jobs and development as young people risk the sea route to Europe. Water & Power Disruptions: SONEDE warned of drinking-water supply interruptions in Mahdia and Rejiche due to a fault in a main pipeline, with service expected to resume gradually on Wednesday morning. STEG also announced rolling power cuts tonight (10 p.m. to midnight) across multiple areas in Greater Tunis and other governorates. Tunisia’s Cash Economy: Tunisia’s banknotes and coins in circulation hit a record 30+ billion dinars, reflecting a shift toward cash payments after tougher cheque rules. Tourism Boost: Tourism receipts reached 5.1275 billion dinars by August 20, up year-on-year, supporting foreign-currency purchases by the central bank. Sports & Local Life: CS Sfaxien signed Cameroonian midfielder Jacques Mbe, while Tunisia also featured in Mediterranean Games football results and ongoing local sports signings.

Migrant Tragedy in Ben Guerdane: Tunisia’s National Guard says it has recovered 19 bodies after a migrant boat sank off the southeast coast, following violent protests in Ben Guerdane; genetic testing is underway to identify victims and confirm how many were aboard, as searches continue for missing survivors. Water Disruption in Sfax & Mahdia: SONEDE reported drinking-water interruptions from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in multiple delegations after a power outage hit the Kerker pumping station. Heatwave Fire Risk: Civil Protection issued an orange alert for rising temperatures expected to reach 40°C–45°C, urging people to avoid lighting fires near forests and farmland. Tunisia Transport Passes: Transtu began selling 2026–2027 school and university transport passes via 151 post offices and added correction points for TGM users. Sports & Culture: CAF confirmed 48 nations for the 2028 U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw, while a Maradona “Hand of God” match ball sold at auction for $3.35m—Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser held it for decades.

Migrant Tragedy Off Tunisia: Tunisia’s coast guard recovered 11 bodies after a boat carrying 15 mostly young people sank off the coast near Zarzis/Ben Guerdane en route to Italy; one survivor was rescued after 48 hours adrift, while three others remain missing. Ben Guerdane Protests: Dozens of residents staged demonstrations demanding faster searches, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds. Rescue Effort: Coast guard, military and civil protection teams, including two helicopters, are still searching the area. Tunisia-Algeria Ties: President Kais Saïed spoke by phone with Algeria’s Abdelmadjid Tebboune, reaffirming shared determination to tackle regional challenges. Health Cooperation: A China-aided cancer treatment center broke ground in Gabes, aiming to expand radiotherapy and related services for southeastern Tunisia. Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s Firas Kattoussi won gold in taekwondo at the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026. Business & Trade: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 14.958 billion in the first seven months, with energy, mobility and healthcare imports driving the gap.

Mediterranean Tragedy: Tunisia’s coast guard recovered eight bodies of Tunisian migrants after a boat sank off the coast while en route to Italy; six others remain missing and search teams are still working, with protests reported near Ben Guerdane after families said operations were too slow. Migration Pressure: Another report says two bodies were recovered and 12 remain missing after a separate migrant boat capsized off southern Tunisia, underscoring the deadly central Mediterranean route. Public Integrity: Tunisian Post opened an investigation into a viral video showing an elderly woman’s cash withdrawal, saying it will apply the law if misconduct is proven. Trade & Food: Tunisia’s olive oil exports jumped 55.3% to 368,000 tons in the first nine months of the 2025/26 season, bringing about $1.6bn, while a separate analysis flags a widening trade deficit driven by energy, mobility and healthcare needs. Business & Markets: The Tunis Stock Exchange week ended slightly lower as the Tunindex slipped 0.1%, and Tunisia’s business leaders say India could be a strategic partner as trade targets $1bn over five years. Sports: Etoile du Sahel signed Nigerian striker Megwo on a two-year deal, and Tunisia beat Venezuela 3-1 to claim their first win at the U17 volleyball world championship in Doha.

Migration Tragedy Off Zarzis: A migrant boat capsized off southern Tunisia while heading toward Italy, with at least two deaths reported and 12–13 missing; authorities recovered bodies and rescued survivors as search operations continue. EU Migration Deal Scrutiny: Rights groups warn the EU-Tunisia migration framework is linked to normalized abuses, while Europe debates returns and transfers amid rising political tensions. US Court Visa Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including Tunisia and other North African states, calling the policy unlawful. Olive Oil Boom: Tunisia’s olive oil exports surged 55% to $1.6 billion in the first nine months of the 2025/26 season, with extra-virgin oil dominating shipments. Land Administration Update: From Nov. 1, mandatory cadastral surveys will begin in six governorates, targeting unregistered and undeveloped properties. Sports—Tunisia in the Mix: Tunisian taekwondo’s Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi won silver at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, and Tunisia’s Ligue 1 opened with Saturday fixtures.

Mediterranean Tragedy: At least 13 Tunisians are missing after a migrant boat sank off the coast near Zarzis while heading toward Italy; two survivors were rescued, one in critical condition, and reports say four bodies may have been found as search operations continue. Public Anger in Tunis: Hundreds of protesters marched in the capital demanding President Kais Saied step down, citing power and water cuts, rising prices, and shortages, while calling for the release of detained opposition figures. Civil Service Reform: A parliamentary proposal would amend Tunisia’s civil service law to allow state employees to be reassigned based on academic qualifications, with ARP committees set to begin reviewing it. US Court Impact on Tunisia: A US federal judge struck down a Trump administration immigrant visa freeze affecting 75 countries, including Tunisia, saying the policy was unlawful and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Sports (Tunisia Abroad): Ellyes Skhiri has re-signed with Cologne, returning to the Bundesliga club on a deal until June 2028.

Migration Crisis: Reuters reports at least 13 Tunisians missing after a migrant boat sank off Tunisia while heading to Italy; two survivors were rescued, as rights groups warn EU-backed crackdowns are linked to abuses. Protests & Governance: Hundreds of Tunisians again rallied in Tunis calling for President Kais Saied to step down, blaming power and water cuts, shortages of medicines, and rising living costs. Public Health & Environment: A dog run at Herbert Von King Park was closed after soil tests found elevated mercury and arsenic, with remediation planned and reopening not yet announced. Economy & Exports: Tunisia’s olive oil exports jumped 55.3% in the first nine months of 2025/26 to 368,000 tonnes, bringing in 4.6053 billion dinars. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani took third in the Diamond League 3,000m steeplechase in Lausanne, behind Winfred Yavi and Faith Cherotich. Health Regulation: The Tunisian Syndicate of Aesthetic Doctors says new rules for aesthetic medicine centers will be published soon to curb illegal practices and protect patients.

Protests & Governance: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied’s departure, denouncing “one-man rule” amid extreme heat that has worsened water and electricity cuts, medicine shortages, rising prices, and tighter freedoms; the Nafas movement, launched in May, is calling for jailed opposition figures to be released and for a return to democracy. Public Services & Heat Pressure: STEG rationing and power failures have hit water pumping and daily life, with bottled-water shortages reported as blackouts disrupt factories and services. Public Sector Pay: A National Institute of Statistics study says Tunisia’s public-sector workforce rose to 652,498 in Dec 2025 (+5,343), while average gross monthly salary (with contributions) climbed from 1,715.6 dinars in 2018 to 2,698.1 in 2025. Health Infrastructure (Sfax): A renovated medical imaging unit opened at the Airport Intermediate Health Centre in Sfax, aiming to bring higher-quality imaging services closer to citizens. Sports (Tunisia): Olympique de Béja faces a Ligue 1 opener without newly signed players due to an ongoing transfer ban dispute.

Protests & Governance: Hundreds of Tunisians marched in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied’s departure, denouncing “one-man rule” and calling for the release of jailed opposition figures as economic strain deepens. Utilities Crisis: The unrest is fueled by severe power outages and drinking-water shortages, with activists warning of a “complete collapse” of public services. Fuel Disruption: A sudden strike by fuel transport drivers has disrupted distribution, triggering long queues at gas stations and adding to daily hardship. Climate Preparedness: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri chaired a restricted meeting focused on rainy-season readiness, early warning systems, and flood-risk prevention. Tourism Momentum: Tunisia welcomed over 5.8 million international tourists by end-July, underscoring continued recovery in the 2026 season. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Tunisia’s national team is set to host Group E games in the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Radès, while France beat Tunisia 3-0 in the U17 volleyball opener in Doha.

Heat, power and water crisis: A new Tunis-based opposition collective, Nafas, is set to protest in Tunis on Thursday, blaming government failure for extreme heat-driven electricity rationing, water pumping disruptions and shortages of medicines, amid anger over rising living costs and unemployment. Detention protest: The Global Sumud Flotilla says one of its steering committee members, Wael Nawar, has started a hunger strike over preventive detention in Tunisia, alongside three other activists it says are held on politically motivated financial charges. Economy and trade: Tunisia’s food trade surplus rose to TND 1,006.6m in the first seven months of 2026, helped by a jump in olive oil exports, while international investment reached about TND 1.93bn in H1 2026, led by manufacturing and energy. Tax deadlines: Tunisia’s tax authority reminded taxpayers of key August 20, 25 and 28 filing deadlines for different categories. Public safety: Three people died in a Tunisian tunnel during a treasure hunt; investigations are ongoing into fumes versus collapse. Sports (Tunisia-linked): D’Tigers’ World Cup qualifiers will bring Nigeria to Tunisia later this month, with a 12-man squad named by coach David Fizdale.

Tunisia Economy & Investment: Tunisia’s international investment hit about TND 1.93bn (around $660m) in the first half of 2026, up 11.5% year-on-year, with FDI leading (manufacturing 72%, energy 19%) and portfolio investment jumping 81.3%. Food & Trade: Tunisia’s food trade ran a TND 1.01bn surplus in the first seven months of 2026, with exports up 23.4% and imports up 23.6%; the surplus was boosted by olive oil exports (+43.4%). Security: In Bardo, raids by the National Security District led to the arrest of several “dangerous” suspects wanted by judicial authorities, with cases including alleged terrorist activity. Health/Science: A Tunisian hospital case report highlights a rare stroke cause: a calcified material blocking an artery, changing diagnosis from clot to calcium. Sports (Tunisia-linked): D’Tigers (Nigeria) named a 12-man roster for FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Tunisia (Aug 27–30), while Tunisia’s U17 volleyball campaign and local league fixtures keep the spotlight on the court.

Ghannouchi Update: Tunisia’s Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi has been returned to Mornaguia civil prison after nearly three weeks in hospital, with his defence team alleging prolonged isolation and denied access to lawyers and family. Rights Under Pressure: A new report says Tunisian and regional civil society groups face tighter surveillance, smear campaigns and legal pressure, forcing some to adjust activities to protect staff and beneficiaries. Education Reform: Mohamed Ali Boughdiri received an exemption decree allowing him to work in the public sector after being appointed Secretary-General of the Higher Council for Education and Teaching. Infrastructure Watch: Tunisia’s SNCFT launched a call for consultancy firms for a high-speed rail feasibility study linking northern and southern regions, with applications due Sept. 24. Water Crisis Response: Sousse’s seawater desalination plant has entered trial testing, aiming to add major supply as protests grow over drinking-water shortages. Energy Snapshot: National electricity production rose 5% by end-June 2026, with renewables contributing 9.2%. Sports & Culture: Taranto will host the 20th Mediterranean Games (Aug 21–Sep 3), and Tunisian ceramics’ modern twist is spotlighted.