First Independent Mena Newspaper
Tunisia has left the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights of the African Union, amid a worsening crackdown on free speech and opponents to the Kais Saied regime. The withdrawal would deny NGOs capacity to petition the court, which is tasked with enforcing the AU’s human rights charter. The Tunisian government did not explain […]
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed on March 20 Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri less than eight months after his appointment, amid growing economic challenges and a worsening migration crisis. Saied replaced him by Sara Zaafarani, an engineer and former Minister of Equipment. The presidency announced the dismissal through a brief statement on Facebook, without specifying […]
Tunisia braces for a locust invasion coming from Libya, as the country experiences a rainy season auguring well for the farming season. The agriculture ministry confirmed that desert locusts have been found south in the region of Tataouine, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions. Desert locusts can consume vast amounts of crops and vegetation. A […]
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied has suspended ties with the IMF after shunning the reforms it conditioned for a lifeline deal that could have made it easier for Tunisia to access foreign loans. The failure of the $1.9 billion offered by the IMF in exchange for reforms puts Tunisia in an uphill battle to access funding […]
Tunisia began a trial against 40 high-profile defendants on the charge of conspiring against state security. The trial involves former diplomats, politicians, and journalist amid protests at the President’s use of the judiciary to silence dissidents. Protests have erupted in Tunis calling the trial “fabricated” and denouncing the “authoritarian” rule of president Kais Saied. The […]
The Tunisian economy continues to reel under the impact of the President Kais Saied’s power grab. The country is expected to be the least performer in the southern Mediterranean region, compared to its peers, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said. While the region’s economic growth is expected to stand at 3.7% in […]
Tunisia has taken the decision to sever all communication with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following claims from President Kais Saied that the IMF is overstepping its role and interfering in the country’s economic sovereignty. This move reflects rising tensions between the Tunisian Government and the global financial institution, which has been a key partner […]
A Tunisian judge has granted on February 20 the release of prominent journalist Mohamed Boughalleb, a known critic of President Kais Saied, according to his lawyer. This decision is seen as a hopeful sign by opposition groups, who believe it could pave the way for the release of other imprisoned figures from the opposition and […]
A Tunisian appeals court has ordered on Wednesday February 19 the release of prominent human rights activist Sihem Bensedrine, although she remains subject to a travel ban due to ongoing legal cases. Bensedrine, 74, was the head of the now-defunct Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD), which was responsible for investigating human rights abuses committed by […]
Abir Moussi, leader of Tunisia’s Free Destourian Party, has initiated on February 13 a hunger strike while imprisoned in Manouba, a suburb of Tunis, to protest against what she describes as ill-treatment by the authorities. The move came after Moussi, who has been incarcerated since October 2023, raised concerns about her health and safety. Her […]