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UN Rights Chief Urges Tunisia to End Represss
UN rights chief urges Tunisia to curb repression of civil society and journalists. Volker Türk criticized widening restrictions on civil society, media, and opposition, calling for immediate releases of detainees and an end to restrictive measures. The UN notes authorities have used funding/audit irregularities and a 2022 decree-law to justify suspensions and arrests, including actions against Avocats Sans Frontieres and the Tunisian League for Human Rights. Türk emphasized l
2026-05-24Tunisia's Voluntary Return Policy for Migrant
Summary: Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti reaffirmed the government’s voluntary returns policy for irregular migrants, framing it as a humane mechanism to safeguard people on Tunisian soil rather than pursuing forced removals of Tunisian suspects abroad. He emphasized Tunisia’s responsibility in managing migration and preventing dangerous sea crossings toward Europe. The issue comes amid a deadly Mediterranean migration route, with rising arrivals and missing-pers
2026-05-24Tunisia President Dismisses Energy Minister
- Tunisia’s President Kais Saied dismissed Energy and Industry Minister Fatma Thabet Chiboub ahead of parliament discussions on controversial renewable energy contracts with foreign firms. The move comes amid criticism from unions and lawmakers over five government-approved bills enabling foreign concessions to install solar panels, with terms including 20-year energy exploitation, a possible 10-year renewal, and tax-free initial five years. Energy would be sold to STEG (stat
2026-05-24Tunisia Repatriates 10,000 Migrants 2024
Tunisia is actively reducing irregular migration under pressure from the EU. Key points: - Repatriation: About 10,000 irregular migrants, mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa, have been repatriated this year through a voluntary IOM-coordinated program with weekly flights. In 2024, roughly 7,200 were repatriated. - Policy stance: Tunisian authorities say the country will not serve as a transit route to Europe and aim to curb migration flows until reductions are sustained. - Context:
2026-05-24Tunisia Tourism Hit by Regional War Costs
Summary: - The Middle East regional war is fueling higher oil and travel costs, dampening Tunisia’s May tourism start. - Tourism revenue (about 10% of GDP) and jobs (roughly 400,000) face potential impact as higher fares and kerosene prices drive travelers to pause or seek alternatives. - Djerba, a leading resort, has seen reservations drop by about 50% at some properties, though previous records show resilience with last year’s 1.2 million visitors. - Airlines plan a modest
2026-05-24