AGP Executive Report

Tunisia’s Democratic Backslide: A new analysis argues Tunisia’s 2021 power grab by President Kais Saied didn’t start with repression alone, but with earlier public acceptance and the slow hollowing-out of the post-2011 democratic experiment. Rights Under Pressure: An international appeal urges Tunisia to release Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration and threats to detainees’ safety. Security Case With Political Fallout: Tunisia’s authorities opened urgent investigations after weapons, live ammunition, cash and gold were reportedly found in the home of a governor arrested on corruption charges. Regional Diplomacy on Palestine: Tunisian FM Mohamed Ali Nafti met Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy in Amman to coordinate on Palestine and Libya, while Tunisia also reaffirmed its role in Arab League efforts ahead of its rotating council presidency. Tunisia-Egypt Partnership: Nafti and Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty reviewed follow-up on the 18th joint high commission, focusing on trade, investment, electricity, renewables and infrastructure. Ceuta Migration Shock (Europe’s spillover): Coverage of the Ceuta crisis—tens of thousands of arrivals, deaths, and a legal dispute over returns—keeps feeding EU border politics and wider migration pressure that Tunisia’s region can’t ignore.

Tunisia–Foreign Policy: Tunisian FM Mohamed Ali Nafti met Arab League SG Nabil Fahmy in Amman, discussing Palestine, Libya and how to modernize Arab League action as Tunisia prepares to take the rotating presidency of the Council. Regional Diplomacy: Arab and Islamic states, meeting in Amman, condemned Israeli actions at Al Aqsa and reaffirmed Jordan’s custodian role, while Indonesia urged a broad international coalition to back Palestine and protect Al Aqsa. Tunisia–Justice & Rights: An international appeal by the Association of Victims of Torture calls for the immediate release of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration and threats to detainees’ safety. Tunisia–Corruption/Prosecution: Tunisia’s authorities opened urgent investigations after weapons, live ammunition, cash and gold were found in the home of a governor arrested on corruption charges in Mahdia. Tunisia–Politics: Coverage highlights Ennahda supporters’ pushback against the idea the movement is finished, framing the last five years under President Kais Saied as a phase of persecution rather than defeat. EU Migration Fallout (Tunisia-linked): The Ceuta crisis continues to reverberate in Europe, with EU leaders and Italy pushing “return hubs” in Africa—Tunisia is named among potential host countries—after Spain faced legal limits on summarily returning migrants arriving by sea.

Tunisia–Arab League Diplomacy: Tunisian FM Mohamed Ali Nafti met Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy in Amman, discussing Palestine, Libya and ways to modernize Arab League action as Tunisia prepares to take the rotating presidency of the Arab League Council. Regional Rights Pressure: An international appeal by the Association of Victims of Torture urged Tunisia to release Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration and threats to detainees’ safety. Tunisia–Egypt Partnership: Nafti also met Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty, reaffirming deep bilateral ties and pushing follow-up on the 18th Tunisian-Egyptian Joint High Commission, with focus on trade, investment and strategic sectors. Al-Aqsa Coordination: Arab and Islamic states condemned Israeli actions at Al Aqsa and backed Jordan’s custodian role, with Tunisia listed among committee members coordinating international efforts. Ceuta Migration Fallout (EU context): EU leaders and Italy’s Meloni renewed calls for stronger EU border controls and “return hubs” in Africa after the Ceuta crisis, while Spain moved to close a legal loophole blamed for the surge.

Tunisia’s Diplomacy in Motion: Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy in Amman to coordinate on Palestine, Libya and broader Arab action, with Tunisia also set to take the rotating presidency of the Arab League Council. Regional Security & Palestine: In parallel, Tunisian diplomacy echoed calls for Arab and Islamic unity to protect Al-Aqsa amid Israeli incursions, stressing collective responsibility and access to holy sites. Tunis–Cairo Strategic Push: Nafti also met Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty, reaffirming the depth of Tunisian-Egyptian ties and urging follow-up on the 18th joint high commission, especially on electricity, renewables, infrastructure and investment. Human Rights Pressure in Tunisia: An international appeal urged the Tunisian authorities to release Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration and broader threats to detainees’ safety. Ennahda’s Political Resilience: A report highlights how supporters of Ennahda frame the post-2021 crackdown as a phase of persecution rather than an end, with younger members talking about a return to the political scene. Ceuta as a Migration Flashpoint (EU spillover): While not Tunisia-specific, the week’s Ceuta crisis—sparked by a Spanish Supreme Court ruling and amplified by online mobilization—kept EU border politics in focus, with EU leaders calling for stronger physical barriers and faster returns.

Tunisia Rights & Detention: The Geneva-based Association of Victims of Torture renewed an international appeal for the immediate, unconditional release of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration and urging action by the UN, AU and EU. Tunisia Politics & Protest Mood: Multiple reports mark the five-year anniversary of Kais Saied’s 25 July 2021 power grab as a turning point for public anger—linking worsening living conditions, media pressure and simmering street unrest to a broader legitimacy crisis. Ennahda’s Comeback Narrative: A separate piece captures younger Ennahda supporters insisting the crackdown hasn’t ended the movement, framing the current phase as preparation for a post-Saied political return. Tunisia Economy Under Pressure: Coverage also points to power cuts, protests and failing policy delivery as the backdrop to Tunisia’s current political volatility. Regional Flashpoint (Ceuta): While not Tunisia-specific, the week’s dominant political story is Europe’s Ceuta migration crisis—triggered by legal confusion and amplified by far-right rhetoric—prompting EU border talk and raising questions Tunisia will face indirectly as EU migration deals and “return hub” proposals circulate.

Tunisia Rights & Detention: Anwar Ibrahim has written to President Kais Saied urging the release of detained opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi on humanitarian grounds, citing his health and age, as international pressure grows over Tunisia’s political prisoners. Tunisia Protest Mood: Coverage marks five years since Saied’s 2021 power grab, pointing to worsening living conditions, wildfire-linked failures, and rising public anger that is no longer only economic. EU Migration Flashpoint (Ceuta): Ursula von der Leyen calls for stronger EU border controls after the Ceuta surge, praising Spain’s “returns system” while warning against repeat crises; Spain’s PM Sánchez also attacks EU governments for a “selfish, polarising and unlawful” response. EU Interior Ministers & Schengen: Home affairs ministers meet online as Italy’s Schengen suspension and competing interpretations of solidarity letters keep the Ceuta row politically volatile. EU Border Law Debate: Spain and the PP/Socialists move to close a Supreme Court-linked loophole affecting migrants arriving by sea, while right-wing leaders demand tougher, permanent border measures. Regional Context (Libya): Libya’s “elite pact” style power-sharing deal is framed as a step toward stability, but still short of real democratic or unified governance. Climate & Governance: Amnesty warns extreme heat is a human rights emergency, tying climate impacts to political failure and fossil-fuel interests.

Tunisia Rights & Detention: An international appeal by the Association of Victims of Torture urges Tunisia to release Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration and threats to detainees’ lives. Regional Politics & Pressure: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim has written to Tunisian President Kais Saied asking for Ghannouchi’s release on compassionate, humanitarian grounds. Domestic Political Climate: With the fifth anniversary of Saied’s 25 July 2021 power grab behind them, Tunisia’s opposition and rights voices warn of deepening authoritarian drift, while supporters of Ennahda talk up a “return” after years of crackdown. Ceuta Migration Spillover (EU-Tunisia relevance): The week’s biggest political shock in the region came from the Ceuta migrant crisis, where tens of thousands of Moroccans crossed into Spain; EU leaders pushed for tougher border measures, and Spain scrambled to close a legal loophole blamed for accelerating arrivals—an issue that keeps shaping North Africa’s political and security debates. Climate & Governance Stress: Wildfires and infrastructure failures across North Africa, including Tunisia, are fueling anger over power cuts, water shortages, and state capacity.

Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spain says around 60,000 Moroccans crossed into Ceuta in days, with at least dozens dying in the attempt, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warns the EU’s reaction has been “selfish, polarising and unlawful,” urging an urgent EU interior ministers meeting while Morocco steps up border coordination. Spain’s Legal Pivot: Spanish parties scramble to close a Supreme Court-linked loophole after migrants reached Ceuta by sea, with Sánchez open to law changes and the PP pushing faster repatriation tools. Tunisia Rights Under Pressure: An international appeal demands the immediate release of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration; meanwhile Tunisia’s media crackdown continues, with CPJ and partners urging an end to unjust imprisonment of journalists. Ennahda’s Political Comeback Narrative: Supporters of Ennahda frame the past five years since Saied’s power grab as persecution rather than defeat, with younger members talking about a “rise again.” Libya Power-Sharing Watch: Libya’s rival executives move toward a dual system under a transitional deal, but analysts warn it’s an “elite bargain” that may not deliver stability. Tunisia Under Strain: Wildfires in Kef expose failing infrastructure and community vulnerabilities as protests and economic pressure deepen. Regional Humanitarian Flashpoints: Reports highlight deadly migration routes toward Europe and long-running refugee protests in Niger, underscoring how border politics translate into human suffering.

Tunisia’s political squeeze deepens: Five years after Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, Tunisians marked July 25 with renewed street protests over tighter political freedoms, worsening living conditions, and routine power cuts during a heatwave, while rights groups warn the media crackdown and detention of opposition figures have only hardened the crisis. Ghannouchi detention and regional pressure: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent a letter to President Saied urging the release of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi on humanitarian grounds, citing his health and age—amid reports of restrictions on family and lawyers’ visits after a prison collapse. CPJ backs jailed journalists: The Committee to Protect Journalists and partners urged Tunisian authorities to end what they call unjust imprisonment of journalists and rights defenders, pointing to Saied-era cybercrime prosecutions and flawed proceedings. Energy stress hits communities: Separate reporting highlights how wildfires and failing infrastructure compound Tunisia’s vulnerability, with rural families describing losses and state support gaps during extreme conditions.

Tunisia’s Five-Year Political Reckoning: Tunisians marked the 5th anniversary of Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab with fresh street protests in Tunis, as demonstrators linked tighter political freedoms and media crackdowns to worsening living conditions, heatwave-linked service failures, and a deepening economic squeeze. Opposition Leader Health Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent a letter to President Saied urging the release of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi on humanitarian grounds, spotlighting the political cost of detention and family access limits after his prison collapse. Press Freedom Under Pressure: CPJ and partners urged Tunisian authorities to end the “unjust imprisonment” of journalists and rights defenders, citing prosecutions under Saied’s cybercrime framework and naming multiple reporters still behind bars. Public Anger Meets Infrastructure Strain: Separate reporting ties the latest unrest to electricity and water cuts during extreme heat, with wildfires in the north exposing weak infrastructure and community vulnerability. Regional Security Watch: Tunisia also appears in wider regional diplomacy, including calls for coordination with Egypt amid shifting instability.

Tunisia’s five-year political squeeze: Tunisians marked the anniversary of Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab with renewed street protests in Tunis, as anger grows over tighter political freedoms, worsening living conditions, and routine power cuts during the heatwave. Ghannouchi detention pressure: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim sent a letter to President Saied urging the release of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi on humanitarian grounds, citing his age and health. Press freedom under strain: The Committee to Protect Journalists and partners called on Tunisian authorities to end the “unjust imprisonment” of journalists and rights defenders, pointing to prosecutions under Saied-era cybercrime rules. Public anger meets infrastructure failure: Separate reporting links the latest unrest to electricity and water cuts and the broader sense that economic gains are not reaching ordinary people. Regional spillover: The week also kept Tunisia in the spotlight through cross-border politics and migration debates tied to the Ceuta crisis, while international attention remains fixed on Tunisia’s detention cases.

Tunisia’s Five-Year Reckoning: Five years after President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, Tunisia’s political space is tighter, opposition is under pressure, and public frustration is boiling over amid worsening daily life. Protests and Repression: On July 26, thousands rallied in Tunis against Saied’s rule, while rights groups and journalists warned that criticism is increasingly met with crackdowns and intimidation. Human Rights Pressure on Ghannouchi: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim sent a letter to Saied urging the release of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi on humanitarian grounds, citing his health and age. Heat, Power Cuts, and Anger: A heatwave and wildfires have exposed infrastructure failures, with electricity and water cuts sparking renewed demonstrations and deepening the sense that policy is not matching reality. Press Freedom Under Strain: CPJ and partners urged Tunisia to end the unjust imprisonment of journalists and rights defenders, pointing to flawed prosecutions under Saied-era cybercrime rules. Economy Watch: The Tunis Stock Exchange triggered a circuit breaker after sharp volatility, then stabilized—another sign of a market still sensitive to political and economic stress.

Ghannouchi Health Appeal: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim has written to Tunisian President Kais Saied urging the release of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi on compassionate, humanitarian grounds, citing his advanced age and health concerns. Political Rights Under Pressure: Rights groups and opposition voices continue to denounce Ghannouchi’s detention conditions, including restrictions on family and lawyers after his collapse and hospitalisation. Five Years After the Power Grab: Tunisia marks the anniversary of Saied’s July 25, 2021 takeover as protests resurface over shrinking civic space, worsening living conditions, and tighter political freedoms. Power Cuts Fuel Unrest: A week of demonstrations has followed electricity and water cuts during extreme heat, with anger focused on infrastructure failures and the gap between official economic claims and daily hardship. Regional Shockwaves—Ceuta Migration: While not Tunisian territory, the Ceuta surge is dominating regional politics: tens of thousands of irregular migrants from Morocco have crossed into Spain, triggering EU and Spanish emergency responses and reigniting debate over Schengen and border controls. Wildfires Expose Vulnerabilities: Tunisia’s wildfires in Kef highlight failing infrastructure and community risk, with farmers describing losses and limited state support.

Humanitarian Appeal for Ghannouchi: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim has written to Tunisian President Kais Saied urging the release of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi on compassionate grounds, citing his age and deteriorating health. Political Crisis After Saied’s Power Grab: Five years on from the 25 July 2021 consolidation of power, Tunisia’s political space remains constrained while economic strain and public-service breakdowns are driving fresh street anger and renewed calls for Saied to go. Electricity Cuts Fuel Protests: A week of power outages and water disruptions during the heatwave has sparked demonstrations and widened frustration over living costs and government performance. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Tunisia leaders reaffirmed urgent cooperation and de-escalation efforts amid renewed regional tensions, while Tunisia also discussed bilateral coordination with Egypt on security and political solutions. Governance & Economy: Tunisia’s economy is under pressure as policy gaps and social tensions deepen, alongside market turbulence at the Tunis Stock Exchange that triggered a circuit breaker amid volatility. International Partnerships: Tunisia’s participation in Africa PPP 2026 highlights continued efforts to mobilize public-private investment for infrastructure and development.

Tunisia’s Five-Year Reckoning: Five years after Kais Saied’s 25 July 2021 power grab, Tunisia is seeing renewed street anger over tightened political freedoms, worsening living conditions, and a deepening economic squeeze. Electricity Crisis & Protests: Power cuts during the summer heat have sparked nationwide demonstrations, with analysts pointing to the gap between official indicators and daily hardship. Ghannouchi Health Standoff: Rached Ghannouchi’s family and lawyers say access has been blocked after his prison collapse, with reports of enforced isolation and serious health risks—prompting calls for urgent international action. Political System Under Strain: Commentaries frame Tunisia’s “body politic” crisis as a mix of institutional rigidity, migration policy hardening, and shrinking civic space. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia and Egypt reaffirmed cooperation and de-escalation priorities amid regional tensions, while Algeria’s Tebboune vowed to defend Tunisia against “any threat.” Governance & Partnerships: Tunisia’s role in Africa’s public-private partnership push is highlighted as the country’s PPP authority joins upcoming regional infrastructure finance talks.

Power Crisis & Protests: Tunisia is seeing renewed, nationwide anger as electricity and water cuts hit during extreme heat, with protesters linking daily hardship to broader political mismanagement and the post-2021 order. Ghannouchi Health & Rights: Rached Ghannouchi’s family and lawyers report blocked visits and missing information after his prison collapse and hospital stay, raising alarms over cruel treatment and “enforced disappearance”-style restrictions; he was later returned to prison. Political System After July 25: Analysts mark five years since Kais Saied’s power grab, arguing Tunisia’s institutions, civic space, and migration policy have tightened in ways that deepen economic and social crises. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Tunisia reaffirm cooperation and de-escalation priorities amid regional tensions, while Algeria’s Tebboune vows to defend Tunisia against any threat. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said, as conflict-hit sites in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine were also listed under emergency procedures. Africa PPP Push: Tunisia’s PPP authority is set to participate in AfricaPPP 2026, signaling continued interest in infrastructure partnerships as Tunisia’s public services strain. Regional Context: Libya also faces anti-government protests over power cuts, echoing Tunisia’s unrest.