AGP Executive Report

Cybercrime & Rights: Tunisia’s President Kais Saied eased penalties under a cybercrime decree after rights groups criticized it as a tool to muzzle dissent, replacing some prison terms with fines and reducing jail risks for first-time offences. Media Under Pressure: A new report revisits how Tunisia’s post-2021 power grab reshaped public media—pushing propaganda, narrowing space for independent voices, and triggering internal resistance. Energy Diplomacy: Algeria will host the 2nd Energy Ministers’ meeting for the SoutH2 Corridor, with Algeria, Austria, Germany, Italy and Tunisia discussing green hydrogen exports to Europe. Regional Politics (Libya): Egypt’s foreign minister met the UN envoy for Libya to back the UN roadmap and press for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, with Tunisia included in the Tripartite Mechanism. Morocco’s Political Shift: Morocco’s King appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman head of government, tasking her with forming a coalition after PAM won the most seats.

Morocco’s Historic Government Shift: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman head of government, tasking her with forming a cabinet under Article 47 after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won 97 of 395 seats in the Sept. 23 elections—meaning coalition talks are now the main political test. Regional Diplomacy on Libya: Egypt’s foreign minister Badr Abdelatty met UN envoy Hanna Tetteh to push a UN-led, Libyan-owned political settlement and to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, with Tunisia and Algeria also involved via the Tripartite Mechanism. Tunisia-Linked Activism in Focus: Reports highlight worsening health for detained Tunisian flotilla activists and a pro-Palestinian hunger striker in Tunisia jail nearing critical condition, keeping rights and detention conditions in the spotlight.

Morocco’s Historic Government Shift: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a new coalition after PAM won the most seats in last week’s parliamentary election (97 of 395). The 50-year-old former mayor of Marrakech and urban planning minister now faces coalition talks as the king retains major powers. Tunisia at the UN: Tunisia’s foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti, told the UN General Assembly the UN must end Israel’s violence and “genocide” in Gaza and the West Bank, while also calling for an end to conflicts across Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Detention and Rights Pressure in Tunisia: Coverage highlights the worsening health and family anguish of detained Tunisian flotilla activists, with one hunger-striking case described as near death in prison. Migration Under Strain in Tunisia: Reports describe sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia facing harsher conditions and “return hub” pressure, with claims of returns that may be voluntary in name but forced in practice. Regional Diplomacy Watch: A separate UNGA walkout saw delegations from dozens of countries leave Netanyahu’s speech, including Tunisia, underscoring deepening political fractures over Gaza.

UN Diplomacy & Regional Conflicts: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti used the UNGA to call for an end to Israel’s violence in Gaza and the West Bank, and urged peace across Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Tunisia–EU Negotiations: Nafti also pushed for a more realistic and equitable Tunisia–EU partnership agreement, arguing it should better reflect both sides’ interests. Pro-Palestinian Activists in Tunisia: Hunger-striking Gaza flotilla activist Wael Naouar was rushed to hospital after 40 days, with international figures including Greta Thunberg and Zwelivelile Mandela calling for urgent release and medical care. Domestic Governance & Legitimacy: A policy brief says Tunisia’s education reform stalled since 2023 due to legitimacy clashes between unions and the state, warning of human-capital loss unless a three-track path reopens dialogue. Migration Pressure: AFP reports that sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia face harsher conditions and are increasingly “returning” under pressure, as authorities and IOM-run hubs push departures. International Spotlight on Media & Influence: A Global Voices piece questions how Western media coverage can drift toward Qatar’s interests, using the New York Times’ Declan Walsh as a case study.

Fuel Strike in Tunisia: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike demanding better conditions, wage increases, unpaid allowances and social security dues, triggering rushes to petrol stations and raising fears of wider disruption in a country that relies heavily on trucked fuel distribution. UN Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign minister Mohamed Ali Nafti told the UN General Assembly that the UN must end Israel’s violence and what he called genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, while also calling for an end to conflicts across Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Tunisia–EU Talks: Nafti also urged a review of the Tunisia–EU partnership agreement with the aim of making it more realistic, equitable and balanced amid ongoing negotiations. Education Reform Deadlock: A policy brief says Tunisia’s education reform has stalled since 2023 due to legitimacy clashes between unions and the state, with mistrust and defensive institutional cultures blocking progress and risking human-capital loss. Detained Gaza Flotilla Activists: High-profile international calls are growing for the release and urgent medical care of pro-Palestine Tunisian jail hunger strikers, including Wael Naouar, reported to be in critical condition. Migration Pressure: Reports say sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia face harsher conditions and are being pushed toward “return” schemes, with humanitarians warning many departures are not truly voluntary.

Tunisia–UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti used the UN General Assembly to call for an end to Israel’s violence and “genocide” in Gaza and the West Bank, and urged an end to conflicts across Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Hunger Strike Crisis: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar remains in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike in a Tunisian prison, with rights groups and international figures pressing for urgent medical care and more transparency. Tunisia–EU Relations: Nafti met EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica in New York, pushing to revise the Tunisia–EU partnership agreement to make it “more realistic and equitable.” Domestic Economic Tension: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike over conditions, wages and unpaid allowances, raising fears of disruption in a country heavily dependent on trucked fuel. Education Reform Deadlock: A policy brief highlights stalled education reform since 2023, blaming legitimacy clashes between unions and the state and warning of human-capital losses without a new multi-track approach. Regional Spotlight: Tunisia was among dozens of countries that walked out during Netanyahu’s UNGA speech, underscoring the political fallout from the Gaza war.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar is hospitalized in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike in Tunisia’s Mornaguia prison, with rights groups and international figures warning he is “on the verge of death” amid an information blackout and continued pre-trial detention over alleged financial misconduct. UN Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti used the UN General Assembly to call for an end to Israel’s violence in Gaza and broader regional conflicts, while delegates walked out during Netanyahu’s address. Tunisia–EU Talks: Nafti also pushed for a more “realistic and equitable” Tunisia–EU partnership agreement during meetings in New York, as negotiations on the economic and political future of the relationship continue. Domestic Pressure: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike over conditions, wages, allowances and social security dues, raising fears of disruption in a country heavily dependent on trucked fuel distribution. Governance & Rights: A separate education-policy brief highlights Tunisia’s stalled reform talks since 2023, pointing to legitimacy and trust gaps between unions and the state.

UN Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti, used the UN General Assembly to call for an end to Israel’s violence in Gaza and to push for stopping wars across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. EU Relations: Nafti also urged a review of the Tunisia–EU partnership agreement with European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, arguing it must be more realistic, equitable and balanced. Detention & Rights: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar remains in a critical, near-death condition after a 39-day hunger strike in Mornaguia prison, with families and lawyers alleging an information blackout and demanding urgent medical care. Protest & Economy: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike over conditions, wage demands and unpaid allowances, raising fears of disruption in a country heavily dependent on trucked fuel. Governance & Reform: A policy brief says Tunisia’s education reform has stalled since 2023 due to legitimacy clashes between unions and the state, warning of human-capital losses unless dialogue restarts. Migration Pressure: Reports highlight migrants in Tunisia facing “voluntary return” schemes alongside claims they are being pushed out against their will.

Hunger Strike Under Scrutiny: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar, detained in Tunisia, is hospitalized in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike, with rights groups and international figures calling for urgent medical care and more transparency from authorities. Detention and Family Fallout: Reports describe worsening health and anguish for Naouar’s family as legal challenges to his detention continue. Tunisia-EU Talks: Tunisia’s foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti, urged a review of the Tunisia–EU partnership agreement to make it “more realistic and equitable,” pushing for a more balanced relationship. Economic Pressure Hits Daily Life: A 48-hour fuel transport strike in Tunis is set against broader public anger over outages, price rises, and medicine shortages, highlighting mounting economic strain. Migration Policy Debate: Coverage also revisits claims that migrants in Tunisia face “voluntary return” in name but are pushed out in practice, raising human rights concerns.

Hunger Strike Crackdown: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar, detained in Tunisia’s Mornaguia prison, has been hospitalized in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike, with rights groups and international supporters warning he is “on the verge of death” and accusing authorities of refusing updates to his family and lawyers. Labor & Fuel Crisis: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike over working conditions, wage demands, unpaid allowances and social security dues, raising fears of disruption in a country that relies heavily on trucked fuel distribution. Tunisia–EU Talks: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti urged a review of the Tunisia–EU partnership agreement with European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, calling for a more realistic and equitable deal that better reflects both sides’ interests. Diplomatic Moves: Serbia’s caretaker foreign minister Marko Đurić met Nafti in New York, discussing deeper political dialogue, cultural and education cooperation, and Tunisia’s participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Migration Pressure: A new report highlights how sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia face harsher conditions and are pushed toward “return” programs, with humanitarians saying many are not truly choosing to go.

Tunisia–EU Talks: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti urged a “more realistic and equitable” Tunisia–EU partnership agreement during meetings in New York, arguing the current framework must better reflect both sides’ interests. Fuel Strike & Social Pressure: In Tunis, fuel transport workers launched a 48-hour strike over working conditions, wage demands, unpaid allowances and social security dues, triggering fears of disruption in a country dependent on trucked fuel—amid wider anger over outages, prices and medicine shortages. Sumud Flotilla Case: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar remains in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike in Mornaguia prison, with rights groups alleging authorities are refusing information to his family and lawyers and critics warning the case is part of a broader crackdown on activists. Education Reform Stalemate: A policy brief says Tunisia’s education reform has stalled since 2023 due to legitimacy clashes between unions and the state, with mistrust blocking dialogue and raising risks of human-capital loss. UNGA Diplomacy Backdrop: Tunisia was among countries reported to have empty seats during a walkout as Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, underscoring how regional politics spill into Tunisia’s international spotlight.

Tunisia–EU Relations: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti urged a rethink of the Tunisia–EU partnership agreement in New York, calling it more realistic, equitable, and better aligned with both sides’ interests. UN Diplomacy & Israel: Tunisia was among countries reported to have empty seats during a UNGA walkout as Netanyahu defended Israel’s Gaza campaign, underscoring how regional states are being pulled into global political showdowns. Rights Under Pressure: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar remains in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike in a Tunisian prison, with rights groups alleging authorities are withholding information and facing mounting calls for urgent medical care and release of the “Sumud 4.” Domestic Economic Strain: A 48-hour fuel transport strike in Tunis over wages, allowances, and social security threatens disruption and reflects broader anger tied to outages, price pressure, and shortages. Education Reform Stalemate: A policy brief warns Tunisia’s education reform has stalled since 2023 due to legitimacy clashes between unions and the state, risking human capital loss unless dialogue pathways reopen.

Hunger Strike Crisis in Tunisia: Pro-Palestine activist Wael Naouar, detained since March, is in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike in Mornaguia prison, with rights groups alleging authorities are refusing updates to his family and lawyers and that he is “on the verge of death.” Fuel Strike & Social Tension: In Tunis, fuel transport workers launched a 48-hour strike demanding better conditions, wage hikes, unpaid allowances and social security settlement, triggering public rushes to petrol stations and highlighting wider anger over outages, price rises and medicine shortages amid a shrinking space for dissent. Diplomatic Outreach: Serbia’s caretaker foreign minister Marko Djuric met Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti in New York, discussing deeper political dialogue, possible ministerial visits, and Tunisia’s participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Regional Security Echoes: Houthi claims of strikes hitting Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu added to the week’s Middle East security noise, while reports also pointed to increased commercial traffic through Bab el-Mandeb.

Hunger Strike Crisis in Tunisia: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar, detained in Tunisia over alleged financial misconduct tied to the Gaza Sumud flotilla, has been hospitalized in “very critical” condition after a 39-day hunger strike, with rights groups warning he is “on the verge of death” and denouncing authorities’ refusal to share information with his family and lawyers. Protest Crackdown: Tunis lawyers and civil society groups say at least 11 people were arrested after a Sept. 19 march in Tunis demanding the release of Sumud Flotilla detainees, with detainees held over slogans and organizations calling for peaceful-assembly rights and detainee safety. Economic Pressure Turns Political: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike demanding better conditions, wage increases, unpaid allowances and social security dues, triggering public rushes to petrol stations and highlighting broader anger over outages, shortages and the state’s shrinking room for dissent. Diplomacy Watch: Serbia’s caretaker foreign minister Marko Djuric met Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti in New York, discussing political dialogue, economic cooperation and Tunisia’s participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar, detained in Tunisia over alleged financial misconduct tied to the Gaza Sumud flotilla, has been hospitalized in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike; his lawyer and the Tunisian League for Human Rights say he is “on the verge of death,” while authorities reportedly refuse to share updates with his family and lawyers after a judge rejected an appeal to extend pre-trial detention. Protest Crackdown: Lawyers and activists report at least 11 arrests after a Sept. 19 march in Tunis demanding the release of Naouar and three other jailed Sumud activists, with detainees held over slogans and authorities yet to confirm numbers. Regional Pressure on Activism: The case sits within a wider pattern critics describe as a crackdown on activists since President Kais Saied’s 2021 power consolidation, with the government insisting prosecutions are not political.

Tunisia Activism Under Pressure: Tunisian Gaza flotilla activist Wael Naouar is more than a month into an open-ended hunger strike in a prison outside Tunis, demanding financial-misconduct charges against him and three co-accused be dropped; critics say the case is part of a broader crackdown on activists, journalists and opposition since President Kais Saied’s 2021 power consolidation, while the government insists prosecutions are not political and that the judiciary is independent. Protest and Detention Fallout: After a Sept. 19 march in Tunis demanding the release of jailed Global Sumud Flotilla members, lawyers and activists report at least 11 arrests (figures vary), with detainees held over slogans chanted during the protest; Tunisia’s labour union, bar association and human rights league called for releases and warned against using security and courts to manage political conflict. Security Crackdown on Civil Society: Separate reporting says Tunisia detained 15 political and civil society activists in a sweeping security operation, including Ennahda figures and Republican Party and civil society activists, with rights groups demanding detainee lists, access to lawyers and guarantees for physical safety.