AGP Executive Report

Tunisia Protests: Hundreds of Tunisians marched in central Tunis under the slogan “The people are hungry and prisons are full,” denouncing President Kais Saied’s one-man rule, arrests of opposition figures and journalists, and a worsening economic squeeze marked by soaring prices, medicine shortages and weaker public services. Legal Push: The Assembly’s General Legislation Committee is set to hear legal experts next Monday on draft revisions to the Penal Code and a new drug-offences law, as tensions over judicial independence and press freedom keep rising. Eid Al Adha Timing: Tunisia and Turkey have announced the first day of Eid Al Adha 2026, while other countries are still awaiting the crescent sighting. World Cup Logistics: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is also in the spotlight as Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City prepares to host pool matches including Tunisia vs the Netherlands. Gaza Aid Route: The Sumud aid convoy resumed after a security stop in Libya’s Zliten, with activists including Tunisians continuing toward Gaza.

Protests in Tunis: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied against President Kais Saied, chanting “The people are hungry and prisons are full,” as demonstrators denounced arrests of politicians, journalists and civil society figures alongside shortages, price hikes and deteriorating services. Parliament moves on justice: The Assembly’s General Legislation Committee is set to hear legal experts on Monday about revisions to the Penal Code and the drug law, with lawmakers pushing tougher penalties amid rising theft and violence. Public services under pressure: Tunisia’s transport company is running special bus plans for teachers’ recruitment exams in Tunis on Sunday. Migration and aid: IOM says irregular migration flows from Libya fell 17% in Q1 2026, while flows into Libya’s western borders nearly doubled; meanwhile, the Gaza-bound Sumud land convoy resumed after a long inspection stop in Zliten, Libya. Sports spotlight: Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani won a podium finish at the Shanghai Diamond League, while football news keeps circling the World Cup squads and injuries.

World Cup Momentum: Tunisia’s World Cup build-up hits a key milestone as coach Sabri Lamouchi names his final 26-man squad, with Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri captaining the “Carthage Eagles” and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri plus PSG youngster Khalil Ayari also included—while captain Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah are left out. Japan Injury Blow: Kaoru Mitoma is ruled out after a hamstring injury, leaving Japan to lean on Takefusa Kubo as they face the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F. CAF Champions League Focus: Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR in the first leg of the Champions League final, with the return to continental glory on the line. Tunisia Services & Jobs: Tebourba opens its first Digital Services House, and Tunisia’s unemployment rate falls to 15% in Q1 2026. Travel Relief: The US eases $15,000 visa-bond rules for some World Cup ticket holders, including Tunisian fans.

World Cup Squad Shock: Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi has named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri as captain and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri and PSG youngster Khalil Ayari also included—while Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah are left out. Tunisia’s Group F rivals are Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands, with Tunisia set to open against Sweden on June 15. Japan Injury Blow: Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma is ruled out after a hamstring injury, and coach Hajime Moriyasu said the team has to cope without a “major presence.” US Entry Rules Shift: After backlash, the US has waived visa deposits for ticketed fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia—though conditions still apply and travel hurdles remain. Stadium Spotlight: Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is being reshaped for World Cup matches, including Tunisia vs the Netherlands in pool play. Security Update: A second US soldier missing in Morocco has been found dead, with search continuing for the other serviceman.

World Cup Ticket Relief: The U.S. has suspended the up-to-$15,000 visa bond for World Cup fans from five African qualifying countries, including Tunisia, if they hold valid FIFA tickets and use the FIFA Pass system—an abrupt reversal after backlash that threatened to price out supporters. Japan Squad Shock: Tunisia’s World Cup group rivals Japan face a major headache as injured winger Kaoru Mitoma is left out of the final 26-man squad, with coach Hajime Moriyasu saying his return in time was “difficult.” U-17 AFCON: In Morocco, Tunisia held hosts Morocco 1-1 in the U-17 AFCON opener, with Tunisia scoring first and Morocco equalizing late, keeping Group A wide open. Tunisia in the Spotlight: FIFA’s tournament build-up also keeps Tunisia visible in the wider World Cup logistics story, while older coverage continues to track squad announcements and match schedules.

World Cup Visa Relief: The U.S. has suspended its controversial $15,000 visa-bond requirement for World Cup ticket holders from five African countries, including Tunisia, after backlash over the cost barrier. The waiver applies to fans who register through the FIFA Pass system, while regular visa checks still apply. CAF Champions League: In South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns must regroup after a Premiership stumble as they host Morocco’s AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. Tunisia in the spotlight: The same week also brings fresh attention to Tunisia’s wider pressures—Amnesty and rights groups warn of growing crackdowns on media and civil society. Security and recovery: In Morocco, the search linked to the African Lion exercises has ended for one soldier, with the second recovery reported earlier in the week. Sports fitness watch: Japan’s Mitoma faces uncertainty over World Cup readiness after a hamstring injury.

World Cup Travel Relief: The Trump administration says it will waive the controversial visa bond—up to $15,000—for foreign fans from World Cup-qualified countries who hold valid tickets and register through the FIFA Pass, easing costs for Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia. Tunisia in the Mix: Tunisia is listed among the countries benefiting from the waiver as the tournament countdown continues, with Tunisia also set to play the Netherlands in pool play at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. Morocco Exercise Tragedy: In parallel, the U.S. military confirmed the recovery of the second missing soldier from the African Lion exercises in Morocco, after the first remains were found earlier—leaving the incident under investigation. Local Industry Boost: In Sousse, Italian luxury packaging firm Pusterla 1880 opened a new production site, highlighting fresh investment and jobs tied to Tunisia’s manufacturing push.

World Cup Travel Shake-Up: The Trump administration says it will suspend the $15,000 visa bond requirement for ordinary fans from World Cup-qualified countries—including Tunisia—if they hold valid tickets and use the FIFA Pass system for expedited appointments. Tunisia in the Spotlight: With the tournament now 30 days out, Tunisia’s matches in the U.S. are set to draw attention, including the Tunisia vs Netherlands clash at Arrowhead’s GEHA Field in Kansas City on June 25. Sports Fitness Watch: Tunisia’s opponents are also dealing with injury concerns—Japan’s Mitoma is reported unlikely to recover in time—while Australia defender Harry Souttar is fighting to prove he’s fit for his squad. Security & Justice: Tunisia also made headlines in European crime cooperation, with Swedish police reporting the arrest in Tunisia of a suspected senior figure in the Foxtrot network. Local Culture: In parallel, Tunisia’s PM says the country is betting on start-ups and AI-driven innovation to shape a flexible development model.

World Cup build-up in the spotlight: Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is being reshaped for FIFA 2026, with the venue renamed “Kansas City Stadium” for sponsor-cover rules and hosting six matches including Tunisia’s pool game vs the Netherlands. Tunisia in international security: A Tunisian man was arrested in France over an alleged jihadist plan targeting the Louvre or Paris’ Jewish community, with prosecutors saying he discussed access routes and explosives. Tunisia’s courts under pressure: Tunisia’s appeals court upheld prison sentences for journalists Borhen Bssais and Mourad Zeghidi over money-laundering and tax offences, drawing fresh criticism from rights groups. Regional diplomacy: Tunisia’s PM met Libya’s Mohamed Menfi in Nairobi, stressing economic integration and joint efforts to resolve obstacles. Sport at home: Ligue 1 Pro matchday action continued, while JS Omrane and AS Marsa drew 2-2 and Pro League 1 promotion was secured by Sakiet Eddaïer.

World Cup host upgrades: Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is being rebranded for FIFA rules as “Kansas City Stadium” for the tournament, with a new grass pitch and a wider playing area to fit soccer dimensions. Tunisia–France security: A Tunisian man was arrested in France over an alleged jihadist-inspired plan targeting either the Louvre or the Jewish community in Paris, with prosecutors describing a terror conspiracy in the works. Tunisia–Europe migration pressure: Tunisia is also in the spotlight as the EU confirms technical talks with Taliban authorities on returns and deportations—again raising alarms about civic and human-rights standards. Crime crackdown link: Swedish police say a “central actor” in the Foxtrot gang network was arrested in Tunisia, a move they say could hit the group’s ability to carry out violent crime. Regional security flashpoint: Sea-Watch says a Libyan Coast Guard-linked vessel fired on its rescue ship after migrants were pulled from a boat, escalating fears for aid workers at sea. Ongoing tragedy abroad: The U.S. says remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were recovered off Morocco, while a second missing soldier is still being searched for.

US-Morocco Search: The U.S. says the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were recovered in the Atlantic after he and another soldier went missing following a cliff fall during African Lion exercises; teams are still searching for the second missing serviceman. France Security: French prosecutors say a 27-year-old Tunisian man was arrested for allegedly plotting a jihadist-inspired attack targeting a Paris museum and Jewish community members, with pre-trial detention ordered. Tunisia Civil Society Under Pressure: Tunisia suspended the Tunisian League for Human Rights and Amnesty warns of a widening crackdown on NGOs, with court-ordered suspensions and threats of dissolution tied to foreign funding claims. World Cup Build-Up: Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is being transformed for the 2026 World Cup, including a new pitch and FIFA branding, with Tunisia set to play the Netherlands in pool play. Tunisia Weather: Meteorology forecasts warn of exceptionally hot May conditions, with temperatures possibly reaching 42°C.

U.S.-Morocco Tragedy: The U.S. says the Atlantic Ocean search has recovered the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., after he and another soldier fell off a cliff during an off-duty hike near Cap Draa during African Lion; the second soldier is still missing as teams from the U.S. and Morocco keep searching. World Cup Build-Up (Tunisia): Tunisia’s border authorities are stepping up preparations for Tunisians returning from abroad, adding staff and pushing faster, more digital customs procedures—aimed at smoother crossings during the Hajj season. Civil Society Under Pressure: Amnesty warns Tunisia’s crackdown on NGOs is intensifying, with court-ordered suspensions and threats of dissolution targeting groups working on rights and humanitarian aid. Agriculture Watch: The Agriculture Ministry cautions vegetable and vine growers about possible mildew spread, urging farmers to monitor closely and use approved treatments. Regional Mobility: Russia begins visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia from May 11, a boost for travel links across the region.

In the last 12 hours, Tunisia-related coverage is dominated by governance and public-service updates. President Kais Saied met with the head of government and senior ministers to discuss infrastructure delays, calling for a comprehensive reform of Tunisia’s public procurement regulations to speed up stalled projects and improve oversight of public spending. Separately, the Municipality of Tunis pushed back against claims of “random hunting” of stray dogs, saying its services instead follow an organised, humane protocol involving collection, sterilisation and veterinary care, and later transfer to an affiliated facility.

Sports coverage in the same window also ties Tunisia to wider regional and global events. beIN Sports announced it will mark the one-month countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 (starting 11 June) with extensive multi-channel coverage, including spotlighting preparations of Arab teams that include Tunisia. Football scheduling and group-stage information further reinforces Tunisia’s place in the tournament narrative, with Tunisia listed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Japan. In addition, Tunisia appears in broader sports reporting through World Cup fixture previews for Africa’s teams, including Tunisia matches scheduled in early tournament days.

A major cross-regional development—though not Tunisia-specific—continues to receive heavy attention and intersects with Tunisia through the African Lion 26 exercise. Multiple reports describe a large, multinational search for two missing U.S. soldiers off Morocco’s Atlantic coast, with the search entering its fifth day and involving hundreds of personnel. The exercise itself is described as spanning Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal, and additional coverage notes multinational medical readiness training concluding in Senegal as part of the same broader operation.

Looking slightly further back (12–72 hours), Tunisia’s institutional and legal landscape remains prominent. A Tunisian court sentenced former justice minister Noureddine Bhiri to 20 years in prison in a “forged passports and citizenship documents” case, with the report also noting other sentences in the same matter. Tunisia’s international positioning also shows continuity: the foreign ministry received credentials from Somalia’s new ambassador to Tunisia, reaffirming fraternal cooperation and Tunisia’s stance on Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Finally, media-sector developments continue with the SNJT announcing that its president, Zied Dabbar, was elected vice-president of the International Federation of Journalists—framed as a first for Tunisia in that leadership role.

Over the last 12 hours, Tunisia’s domestic political and security news was dominated by the sentencing of former Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri. Multiple reports say a Tunis court issued first-instance terrorism-related rulings in the “fabricated passports and nationalities” case, with Bhiri receiving a 20-year prison sentence (alongside other defendants receiving terms ranging from 11 to 30 years, including in absentia). The coverage frames the charges around alleged facilitation of travel using falsified documents connected to terrorism offences, while Bhiri and his defence team are reported to have denied the accusations.

The same 12-hour window also carried major regional and international spillovers. Several articles focus on a continuing search off Morocco’s coast for two U.S. soldiers missing during the multinational “African Lion” exercises, describing a large, multi-country operation involving underwater cave searches and coverage of the Atlantic coast near the training area. In parallel, Tunisia-related international attention included reporting on the modest return of international visitors to the El-Ghriba Jewish pilgrimage in Djerba under tight security after the 2023 attack.

Economy and public life coverage in the last 12 hours included inflation and consumer pressure. One report says Tunisia’s inflation rose to 5.5% in April 2026, with food prices accelerating (including sharp increases in fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry and lamb) while some items like edible oils and eggs fell. Another major Tunisia-focused development was the Central Bank’s push to unify and expand mobile payments through a single national label (“TUNPAY”), intended to strengthen user confidence and make acceptance points easier to identify.

Finally, the most recent coverage also highlighted Tunisia’s ongoing links to investment, tourism, and services. Articles point to cruise tourism recovery—La Goulette expected to welcome nearly 160,000 additional tourists by end-2026 via 34 cruises—and to new Chinese industrial activity, with Taikang Electronics selecting Tunisia for its first overseas production unit (with an initial investment and job creation described). The evidence in the last 12 hours is also complemented by broader continuity across the week: the same period includes earlier reporting on Tunisia’s inflation trajectory, digital-payment preparations, and the wider regional context around security and food-system stress.