AGP Executive Report

Mediterranean Games, Taranto: Tunisia’s athletes kept the momentum going on Wednesday, with Zeineb Sghir winning bronze in women’s wrestling (68 kg) and Tunisia’s medal tally reaching 12 (2 gold, 2 silver, 8 bronze). Sports Schedule: Tunisia’s day included U21 football vs Turkey (9:30), women’s handball vs Greece (16:30), boxing semis for Malika Ben Mabrouk (13:30), plus archery and finswimming heats across the morning. Football & Youth: Ghana’s Esther Owusu has joined the Black Princesses camp in Poland for the U-20 Women’s World Cup, arriving late due to injury and visa delays as the squad prepares for matches against Ecuador, South Korea, and France. Culture & Community: La Goulette’s Fish Festival brings street carnival energy and heritage to the seaside, with traffic closures on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue from Aug. 25–27 (evenings) to make room for visitors. Human Rights & Tunisia: NGOs urged Tunisia’s delegation to address worsening rule of law and judicial independence ahead of the UN Human Rights Council session in September. Travel & Daily Life: easyJet passengers were left stranded at Enfidha airport for nearly three days after a Belfast flight was cancelled due to a technical issue.

Mawlid al-Nabi Celebrations: Tunisia and Morocco marked the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with public performances and community events, including child and artist participation in Tunis. Mediterranean Games (Sports & Pride): Tunisia added to its medal tally at Taranto 2026 as wrestler Zeineb Sghir won bronze in the 68 kg women’s category, while Tunisia’s Aug. 25 results also featured medals in boules/petanque and more. Human Rights & Justice Watch: NGOs urged Tunisia’s delegation at the UN Human Rights Council to address worsening rule of law and judicial independence, pointing to the post-2021 power concentration and the role of the Temporary High Judicial Council. Migration Tragedy: After a migrant boat capsized off southeastern Tunisia, the death toll rose to 19 as searches continued near Ben Guerdane and Zarzis, with survivors reporting engine failure and victims from sub-Saharan countries. Daily Life Under Pressure: Tunisia’s Civil Protection issued a heatwave and wildfire-risk warning, with temperatures expected to reach 48°C and strict advice to prevent fires. Culture & Music: Lamia Riahi is set to lead “Riahiyat,” a women-only Tarab-style singalong in Abu Dhabi, blending Tunisian songs with Gulf music. Travel & Lifestyle: easyJet passengers were left stranded at Enfidha airport for nearly three days after a Belfast flight cancellation.

Human Rights & Rule of Law: Ahead of the UN Human Rights Council, Tunisian NGOs warn that judicial independence is eroding under President Saïed’s post-2021 decrees, including the dismantling of the independent High Judicial Council and the stalled functioning of the Temporary High Judicial Council. Migration Tragedy: Off Tunisia’s southeast coast, a migrant boat capsized again, with deaths rising to 19 and bodies recovered near Ben Guerdane and Zarzis as searches continue for the missing. Heat & Wildfire Risk: Civil Protection issues an orange-level warning for soaring temperatures (40–45°C, possibly 48°C), urging strict fire prevention—no burning waste or crop residues, no fires near forests/farmland, and close supervision of children. Cash Economy Shift: Tunisia hits a new record for cash in circulation (over 30 billion dinars), reflecting how tougher cheque rules are pushing more payments into physical money. Culture & Music: Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi brings a women-only Tarab singalong to Abu Dhabi, blending Tunisian classics with Gulf music. Tourism Lifestyle: TUI launches new charter flights to Djerba, positioning the island as an affordable, culture-rich winter-sun escape. Sports: Tunisia’s presence spans volleyball and the Mediterranean Games circuit, with Tunisia also appearing in regional qualification pathways.

Women’s Music & Community: Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi is bringing a women-only Tarab singalong to Abu Dhabi on Aug. 28, turning the audience into part of the performance and blending Arab Tarab, Tunisian songs, and Gulf music. Migration Tragedy: Off Tunisia’s southeast coast, a migrant boat capsized with the death toll rising to 19 as searches continue near Ben Guerdane and Zarzis; survivors reported engine failure and drifting, with families and activists demanding answers. Cash & Everyday Life: Tunisia’s cash economy hit a new record as banknotes and coins in circulation topped 30 billion dinars, driven by seasonal spending and tougher cheque rules reshaping payments. Heat & Safety: Civil Protection and meteorology issued orange alerts for 11 governorates as temperatures reach 40–45°C, warning of wildfire risk and urging people not to light fires near forests and farmland. Culture & Travel: A new cruise itinerary includes a stop in Tunis (La Goulette), while travel deals spotlight Djerba as a fresh, value-packed sunshine option. Sports (Regional): Tunisia’s taekwondo Firas Kattoussi won gold at the Mediterranean Games, adding to a busy day of competition.

Migrant Tragedy off Tunisia’s Coast: Tunisia’s National Guard says at least two people died and 12 remain missing after a migrant boat capsized off the southern coast near Zarzis and Ben Guerdane; one survivor was rescued and bodies were taken to Djerba as searches continue, with protests reported in the border town. Heat & Wildfire Risk: Tunisia’s Civil Protection and meteorology services issue orange alerts for 11 governorates as temperatures hit 40–45°C with sirocco winds and thunderstorms, urging people not to light fires near forests and farmland. Cash in Circulation: Tunisia’s central bank reports banknotes and coins in circulation topped 30.040 billion dinars as of Aug. 21, with seasonal spending cited alongside continued cash withdrawals. Culture in Kalâa Kebira: The “Maraya Al-Founoun” summer festival closes with Aya Daghnouj’s tarab concert, celebrating Arab and Tunisian musical heritage in the inland House of Culture setting. Sports Spotlight (Mediterranean Games): Tunisia’s taekwondo Firas Kattoussi wins gold at Taranto 2026, while swimming and volleyball coverage keeps Tunisia in the regional spotlight. Travel & Lifestyle: TUI launches new London Gatwick–Djerba charter flights for Summer 2027, pitching the island as a value sunshine escape.

Migrant Tragedy Off Zarzis: Tunisia’s coastguard recovered 11 bodies after a migrant boat sank off southeastern waters near Zarzis, with searches continuing for the missing and protests erupting in Ben Guerdane over rescue delays. Mediterranean Games Spotlight: Tunisian taekwondo fighter Firas Kattoussi won gold at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, while Wafa Masghouni took silver in the women’s -67kg final. Local Culture in Kalâa Kebira: The “Maraya Al-Founoun” summer festival closed with Aya Daghnouj’s tarab concert, blending Arab and Tunisian musical heritage at the House of Culture. Tunisia’s Street Pressure: Demonstrations in Tunis renewed calls for President Kais Saied’s resignation amid shortages, rising prices, and frequent power and water cuts. Parliament Watch: MPs are set to examine a proposal to amend Tunisia’s civil service law, allowing state employees to be reassigned based on academic qualifications. Migration Policy Shockwaves: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Tunisia, after ruling it exceeded legal authority.

Migration Tragedy: Tunisia’s National Guard recovered 11 bodies after a migrant vessel sank off the southeast coast near Zarzis; one survivor was saved and three people remain missing, sparking protests in Ben Guerdane. Mediterranean Games Culture & Sport: Taranto kicked off the 2026 Mediterranean Games, with Greece’s Apostolos Siskos and Italy’s swimmers among early medal winners, while Tunisia’s Mohamed Yassin took bronze in a key event. Arts & Heritage: Kalâa Kebira closed its “Maraya Al-Founoun” summer festival with Aya Daghnouj’s tarab concert, blending Arab and Tunisian musical heritage for an inland audience. Civil Society & Rights: A Moroccan migrant-support group says it is tracking 800+ cases in Algeria, including prisoners, detainees, missing people and repatriation requests. Public Life & Governance: Tunisian protests against President Kais Saied continue amid rising prices, shortages, and power and water cuts, while MPs propose changes to Tunisia’s civil service law based on academic qualifications. Sports (Regional): Morocco and Nigeria won African beach volleyball titles and booked LA28 Olympic quota spots.

Mediterranean Tragedy: A migrant boat capsized off southern Tunisia near Zarzis/Ben Guerdane. Tunisia’s National Guard says at least two people died, two bodies were recovered in Djerba, and about 12 remain missing after a survivor was rescued. The departures have long been a flashpoint for families demanding better searches. Public Life Under Strain: Thousands protested in Tunis calling for President Kais Saied to step down, citing rising prices, medicine shortages, and repeated power and water cuts during extreme heat. Policy Shock, Not Tunisia-Only: A US judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Tunisia, ruling it exceeded legal authority—an issue that will be felt across migration routes. Work, Health, and Daily Risk: A new study links workers exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields at power plants with poorer sleep and depression, adding to the debate on workplace safety. Sport & Culture Connections: Tunisia’s regional sports scene stays visible as beach volleyball and youth competitions keep feeding Olympic dreams.

Migration at Sea: A migrant boat sank off southeastern Tunisia near Zarzis, with 13 missing and two rescued; reports say 15 Tunisians were aboard and the vessel was heading toward Italy. Public Protests: Thousands rallied in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied’s departure, citing water and power cuts, medicine shortages, rising prices, and tighter freedoms, with the Nafas movement calling the action. Policy & Work Life: Tunisia’s parliament is set to examine a proposal to amend the civil service law so state employees can be reassigned based on academic qualifications. Sports & Culture: Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani earned third in the Diamond League Lausanne 3000m steeplechase, as Winfred Yavi set a meet record. Tech & Daily Life: A look at Tunisia’s fintech scene highlights the tension between growing digital services and rising reliance on cash. Human Rights & Memory: A cultural piece revisits Mahmoud Darwish’s “Rita and the Rifle,” linking love poetry to the Arab world’s shared political memory. Environment & Work: A climate-justice op-ed argues workers must organize as elites offer no real solutions to the climate crisis.

Protest Wave in Tunis: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in downtown Tunis calling for President Kais Saied to step down, blaming extreme heat for power and water failures, plus medicine shortages, rising prices, and tighter freedoms; the Nafas movement says the anger is spreading beyond traditional opposition. Water & Power Crisis: STEG rationing and water-pumping disruptions have left households queuing and factories slowing, turning daily survival into a political flashpoint. Regional Politics: Former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki accused Algeria of driving the “clinical death” of the Arab Maghreb Union through its Western Sahara stance. Culture & Community: The Carthage Film Festival is highlighted as part of a wider African film-festival boom that builds conversations and networks around African culture. Sports (Tunisia in focus): In Lausanne’s Diamond League, Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani took third in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase behind Winfred Yavi’s meet-record win. Travel & Lifestyle: Tunisia welcomed 5.8M international tourists by end of July, keeping momentum for the 2026 season.

Protests & Daily Strain: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied’s departure, as heat-driven power cuts, water shortages, medicine scarcity, rising prices, and tighter freedoms fuel anger; the Nafas movement says it’s time to end “one-man rule” and release jailed opponents. Opposition Mobilisation: Reuters reports a second wave of street action after last month’s march, showing growing pressure even if it doesn’t yet signal a quick political shift. Water/Energy Crisis Culture Lens: The same summer crisis is reshaping everyday life—queues for water, rationing, and disrupted production—turning basic services into a public, cultural, and civic flashpoint. Civic Solidarity & Palestine: A new anthology, Rising for Palestine, argues Gaza reignited African internationalism and decolonisation debates, with contributions spanning Tunisia and across the continent. Church & Heritage: Augustinian saints and blessed figures are being celebrated across the month, keeping religious heritage in the spotlight. Sports & Tunisia: Tunisia is set to host African qualifiers’ “Window 4” in Radès, with venues and tip-off times locked in. Tourism Momentum: Tunisia welcomed over 5.8 million international tourists by end of July, reinforcing the sector’s recovery and cultural draw. Global Watch: Israel opened a criminal probe into the killing of Hind Rajab after acknowledging troops fired on her car—an accountability debate resonating far beyond the region.

Tunisia Street Protests: Hundreds rallied in Tunis against President Kais Saied, denouncing “one-man rule” as heat-driven power cuts and drinking-water shortages leave people angry and exhausted. Opposition Mobilisation: The Nafas movement is behind the latest march, demanding the release of jailed opposition figures, activists and journalists. Everyday Crisis: STEG rationing and water-pumping disruptions have worsened daily life, with shortages of medicines and rising costs adding fuel. Fuel Disruption: A strike by fuel transport drivers in Sfax and beyond has triggered long queues at gas stations in the capital. Tourism & Culture: Tunisia reported 5.8M international tourists by end of July, while officials visited Sierra Leone’s Lungi conference centre to prepare for a UN gastronomy forum. Arts Spotlight: Gabès’ Miroirs des Arts Summer Festival staged “The Resurrection of Shakespeare,” turning characters into a rebellion against their creator. Rights & Solidarity: Tunisia’s Global Sumud Flotilla says a steering-committee member has started a hunger strike over preventive detention.

Tunisia Heat Protest: A new opposition collective, Nafas, is set to rally in Tunis after extreme heat triggered power rationing and water shortages, with anger focused on unmet promises on utilities, medicines, living costs, and jobs. Civil Society Under Pressure: Tunisian and regional rights groups warn that CSOs face tighter surveillance, smear campaigns, and legal pressure—yet keep documenting abuses and supporting vulnerable communities. Global Sumud Flotilla: Activists say Wael Nawar and three colleagues remain in preventive detention in Tunisia, alleging politically motivated charges and deteriorating conditions. Education Policy: Tunisia’s Official Gazette grants Mohamed Ali Boughdiri an exemption to work in the public sector as he takes on a key role in reforming education and teaching. Arts & Theatre: Gabès’ Miroirs des Arts festival staged “The Resurrection of Shakespeare,” turning the stage into a courtroom where characters rebel against their creator. Film & Accountability: The actor behind “The Voice of Hind Rajab” questions whether Israel’s self-investigation will bring real justice after troops admitted firing on the child’s car. Sports Culture: The Mediterranean Games head to Taranto, while Tunisia’s Carthage film festival continues to spotlight African cinema worldwide.

Detention & Solidarity: Tunisia’s Global Sumud Flotilla says its steering committee member Wael Nawar has started a hunger strike over preventive detention, alongside three other imprisoned members, alleging politically motivated charges and worsening conditions. Migration & Rights: Moroccan and Spanish rights groups report serious abuses tied to Ceuta/Melilla crossings, including beatings, deprivation of food and water, and major gaps in death toll figures—while migrants remain stuck awaiting decisions. Culture & Dialogue: BilAraby (Qatar Foundation) wrapped a three-city Arabic ideas tour with speakers from Damascus, Amman and Djerba, and Tunisia-linked participation highlighted youth, heritage and community-rooted conversations. Education Policy: Tunisia’s Official Gazette grants Mohamed Ali Boughdiri an exemption to work in the public sector after his appointment as secretary-general of the Higher Council for Education and Teaching. Sports & Youth: Tunisia’s regional sporting calendar stays busy as the Mediterranean Games head to Taranto and volleyball youth events keep spotlighting emerging talent. Demography & Lifestyle: New research flags fertility collapse pressures—Tunisia sits below replacement levels—raising questions for future social planning and everyday life.

Tunisia Education & Public Sector: A JORT decree grants Mohamed Ali Boughdiri an exemption to work in the public sector after his appointment as secretary-general of the Higher Council for Education and Teaching, aimed at reforming Tunisia’s education system. Mediterranean Games, Taranto 2026: The 20th Mediterranean Games kick off in Italy’s Taranto on Aug. 21–Sep. 3, with about 5,000 athletes from 26 countries across 32 sports, and Tunisia’s regional sporting presence highlighted in the wider build-up. Culture & Dialogue: Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby “in…” tour ends after three stops (Damascus, Amman, Djerba), bringing Arabic-rooted conversations to local communities, while Morocco/Tunisia-linked cultural exchange continues through Mediterranean-focused projects like “Postcards from the Mediterranean.” Rights, Migration & Community Pressure: Morocco’s rights watchdog OMDH condemns Spain’s migrant abuses in Ceuta and signals possible international action, as broader migration pressures keep shaping everyday life across the region. Sports & Youth: Volleyball Empowerment pairs chase LA28 tickets at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Championships, with Morocco among the supported teams. Identity & Belonging in the Arts: A dance work by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, inspired by the killing of queer Moroccan man Ihsane Jarfi, premieres in the UK, with Tunisian musician Jasser Haj Youssef contributing to the score. Profiling at Borders: A British Muslim student reports detention and deportation from the US despite a valid visa, reigniting debate over religious profiling at airports.

Tunisia Education & Youth: President Kaïs Saïed presided over Tunisia’s Knowledge Day ceremony, then visited the Higher Council for Education and Teaching, urging a more democratic national education system and better support for pupils and students nationwide, including transport, healthcare, and learning tools. UNESCO Tourism Boost: Sidi Bou Said’s UNESCO World Heritage listing is already lifting international arrivals, with local merchants and heritage specialists saying the new status brings both opportunity and added responsibility to protect the town’s distinctive architecture. Arabic Culture in Motion: BilAraby, a Qatar Foundation initiative, wrapped up its “BilAraby in…” tour across Damascus, Amman, and Djerba, bringing Tunisian, Syrian, and Jordanian voices to nearly 1,000 attendees through Arabic-rooted dialogues on youth, knowledge, and heritage. Sports & Youth Pathways: Qatar says it has completed preparations for the FIVB U17 World Championship in Doha, with Tunisia set to play in the opening group stage, while Senegal’s youth beach volleyball duo won silver at the CAVB development cup. Culture & Film Exchange: South Korea’s Arab Film Festival returns at the Asia Culture Center, featuring recent films from across the Arab world including Tunisia. Migration & Human Rights Lens: Coverage on Ceuta highlights migrants stranded at “Europe’s gates,” while separate reporting on a British Muslim student’s US detention frames profiling claims around faith.