Cybercrime Reform in Tunisia: President Kais Saied eased penalties under Decree 54, replacing prison terms for first-time “false news” offences with fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars, while repeat offenders can still face jail—an apparent response to rights pressure and planned protests. Prisoners’ Media Access: Ennahda condemned restrictions on political prisoners’ access to media, backing Ahmed Nejib Chebbi’s hunger strike over what it calls a reversal of post-2011 gains. Tunisia Shortages Despite Growth: Tunisia is seeing shortages of staple goods and bottled water even with 2.4% first-half growth, blamed on public finance strain, import delays, and distribution disruptions. Security Cooperation: The US delivered nearly $1m in security equipment to Tunisia’s intervention units and national guard to boost crisis-response and counter-terrorism training. Regional Energy Diplomacy (SoutH2): Energy ministers from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria and Germany signed the Algiers Ministerial Declaration to push the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor, including plans for a dedicated technical secretariat with UNIDO support. Morocco’s Political Shift: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as prime minister after PAM won 97 seats, setting up coalition talks and raising expectations for social and economic delivery. Human Rights Watch on ISIS Detainees: HRW warned that nearly 5,700 alleged ISIS-linked men and boys transferred to Iraq face abuse and unfair trials, as countries delay repatriation and aid.