AGP Executive Report

Libya Diplomacy: Egypt’s El Sisi urged Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria to keep the trilateral mechanism on Libya moving, with foreign ministers again stressing that only a comprehensive political deal can end the crisis and pave the way for unified institutions and elections. CAF Football Pressure: Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso faces intense scrutiny ahead of the CAF Champions League final second leg in Rabat after taking a 1-0 lead over FAR. Basketball Finals: Ahly Benghazi begins its BAL6 finals campaign against Tunisia’s Club Africain in Kigali, aiming to grab an early advantage before the return. Tunisia Economy & Jobs: Tunisia’s unemployment rate is reported at 15% in Q1 2026, but the figures still hide sharper gaps—especially for women and youth. Eid Market Watch: Consumer groups warn intermediaries are driving up red meat prices ahead of Eid al-Adha, calling for tighter regulation and support for breeders. Travel & Trade: Belavia resumes charter flights to Enfidha after a five-year break, while Tunisia pushes for stronger African participation in global expos as economic diplomacy.

World Cup Roster Rush: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11, squads are still being shaped by injuries and last-minute calls—Brazil’s Estêvão is out with a torn hamstring, while Germany’s Gnabry is sidelined by a torn adductor, leaving openings for others as teams finalize their 26-man lists. Tunisia Customs Upgrade: Tunisia has plugged AI into its customs risk system to flag suspected fraud faster, cut manual checks, and speed cargo clearance, with a next-gen “Sinda 2” platform planned for end-2026. Eid al-Adha Pressure on Prices: Tunisia’s consumer watchdog OTIC says intermediaries are driving red meat margins up by 300–400 dinars during the Eid sheep resale chain, urging tighter regulation and support for farmers. Local Governance Watch: Tunis municipality says it’s accelerating maintenance and development projects, including work around Kasbah Square and a new 9 Avril car park aimed at easing congestion. AFCON 2027 Build-Up: Uganda confirms friendlies against Tunisia, Libya and Botswana in the run-up to AFCON 2027, with matches set in Marrakech.

Parliament on narcotics overhaul: Tunisia’s General Legislation Committee meets Friday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. to hear the Tunisian Association of Addiction Medicine on draft amendments to Law 52 (1992) on combating narcotics, with a focus on a more medical and support-based approach for people affected by addiction. Defense neutrality reaffirmed: The Ministry of National Defense says the army is a republican, neutral institution and warns against attempts to pull it into political disputes. Climate financing push: Tunisia says it needs $29bn (2026-2035) to adapt to climate impacts, led by water and agriculture. World Cup momentum: England is set to name its 2026 squad today, while FIFA rosters keep rolling in across the 48-team tournament. Business and trade: CIBA Hospitality launches Tunisian olive oil brand Terra Delyssa in Nigeria, aiming to expand Tunisia’s food exports. Local social support: Sfax hosts a trainee entrepreneur competition, selecting 20 projects to move forward.

Climate Adaptation Funding: Tunisia says it needs $29bn (2026-2035) to adapt to climate shocks, with water the biggest bill ($10.7bn) and agriculture/food next ($8bn), warning GDP could shrink if risks aren’t tackled fast. Education & Inclusion: Béja opened the first Second Chance School branch, targeting 12-18 year-olds who left school early, with 500 learners per year and a project cost near 2bn dinars. Security & State Role: The Defense Ministry reiterated the army’s neutrality and republican commitment, pushing back against attempts to pull it into political disputes. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia urged Libya to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously under UN auspices. Public Support Measures: Medenine launched solidarity markets to protect purchasing power ahead of Eid, including preferential-price food and direct sales of sacrificial animals. Health Watch: Tunisia’s Health Ministry is monitoring Ebola in DR Congo, stressing no direct threat reported yet.

Ebola Watch: Tunisia’s Ministry of Health is closely monitoring a new Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing Africa CDC and WHO data, stressing vigilance and faster regional coordination while noting no direct threat to Tunisia so far. Fraud Crackdown: In the U.S., two former executives pleaded guilty for knowingly enabling India-based tech-support scams that targeted elderly victims, with sentencing set for June 16. Security Operations: Nigeria’s Air Force says it has intensified strikes on terrorist hideouts and logistics hubs in the north-east, disrupting planned attacks. Tunisia Spotlight: President Kaïs Saïed made an unannounced visit to Nabeul, ordering repairs to public facilities and pushing for fixes to unfinished projects. Sports & Culture: Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi is set to face UAE fighter Mohammad Yahya in Dubai’s “Pride of Arabia” MMA event, while Tunisia’s film co-production “The Voice of Hind Rajab” continues to draw attention for its Gaza Red Crescent rescue story. Health for Seniors: A geriatrics segment highlights early screening from age 40—especially blood pressure and diabetes—to prevent later-life complications.

NGO Crackdown Eases: Tunisia lifted a ban on Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) after a 30-day suspension, with the group saying it will resume activities from May 20—part of a wider pattern of rights groups facing temporary shutdowns, including the Tunisian League for Human Rights and Young Doctors. Humanitarian Tensions: The Global Sumud Flotilla says Israeli forces are still boarding its Gaza-bound fleet in international waters, while South Korea’s president urged Seoul to consider enforcing ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu over the seizure of a vessel carrying South Korean activists. Health Diplomacy: Tunisia and Egypt discussed deeper cooperation in health, including “One Health” work, primary care, emergency systems, unified medicine procurement, and support for Palestinian health services. Cybersecurity Sweep: Interpol’s Operation Ramz reported 201 arrests across MENA, including Tunisia, after investigations into fraud-linked devices and phishing networks. Football Focus: CAF released the full 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule, setting up major group clashes involving Tunisia and other heavyweights.

Gaza Aid Tensions: The Global Sumud Flotilla says Israeli forces are still boarding its humanitarian fleet as it heads toward Gaza, while a rival government in eastern Libya insists only Libyan and Egyptian nationals can pass through its land border—leaving foreign activists stuck near Sirte. U-17 AFCON Shock for Tunisia: Tunisia’s “Carthage Eagles” were knocked out after losing to Ethiopia 1-0, ending their run without a quarter-final spot or World Cup qualification. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw: Tunisia landed in Group H with Uganda, Libya and Botswana, as CAF set the qualification calendar. Digital Push: Tunisia is getting fresh attention for IT nearshoring, with German firms increasingly looking at the country for talent and proximity. Cybersecurity Cooperation: Interpol’s Operation Ramz reported cross-region action across MENA, including Tunisia, targeting cybercrime networks. World Cup Culture: In Kansas City, a local teacher built a World Cup curriculum around global cultures, including Tunisia among the visiting teams.

World Cup in the spotlight: FIFA’s 2026 tournament is now just weeks away, with Tunisia set to face the Netherlands and Algeria in pool play at venues like Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs have reshaped the stadium for soccer’s dimensions. Ticket pressure: resale prices for U.S. matches have reportedly dropped 23% in a month, though “get-in” costs still average $558—so affordability is improving, but not suddenly cheap. AFCON 2027 draw fallout: CAF’s Cairo ceremony set the qualifiers’ groups: Tunisia is in Group H with Uganda, Libya and Botswana, while Nigeria landed Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Regional business momentum: Tunisia-based insurtech EYST won a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to speed claims settlement and expand internationally. Security & tech: Interpol says 201 people were arrested in a MENA cybercrime crackdown involving Tunisia and other countries.

Gaza Solidarity Crackdown: Tunisia’s “Tunisian Resilience Committee” says six Tunisians were detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, calling it “piracy” and urging Tunisian authorities to secure their release. Regional Tensions: The same flotilla story is echoed across Europe, with thousands protesting the attack on the aid convoy. World Cup Momentum: As squads lock in for the 2026 tournament, Tunisia is listed in Group F alongside the Netherlands and other rivals, while World Cup venues in the U.S. are confirmed and match schedules roll out. Football Focus: In Africa club football, Mamelodi Sundowns head to Rabat for the CAF Champions League return leg against AS FAR after a 1-0 first-leg win, with coach Miguel Cardoso and defender Keanu Cupido stressing the need to stay disciplined. Tunisia at Home: Tunisia unveiled “NDC 3.0,” a $55bn climate plan prioritizing water and agriculture to curb emissions and protect against climate shocks.

World Cup Countdown: FIFA’s 2026 squads are rolling in as teams finalize 26-man rosters ahead of the June 1 deadline, with the tournament kicking off June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico. US Travel Rules: The US has waived costly visa bond requirements for eligible World Cup players, coaches, support staff and ticketed fans enrolled in FIFA’s PASS, though standard security checks still apply. Tunisia in the Mix: Tunisia’s World Cup group path is set in the latest roster coverage, while Tunisia is also being watched in the wider African football build-up. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: The 2027 AFCON qualifying draw is set for Tuesday, with Nigeria in Pot A and Tunisia listed among the continent’s heavyweights in the top tier. Cybersecurity: INTERPOL says it arrested 201 people in a MENA-wide cybercrime crackdown, including Tunisia, targeting phishing, malware and scams. Eid al-Adha Timing: Tunisia is among countries confirming Dhul Hijjah and setting Eid al-Adha for May 27.

Eid al-Adha Dates Confirmed: Tunisia’s religious authorities, via Dar al-Ifta, have confirmed that Dhul Hijjah begins Monday, May 18, with Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27 and Arafah Day on Tuesday, May 26—matching announcements from several countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and others. Health Milestone: The WHO has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health threat, praising years of sustained primary healthcare and the SAFE strategy. Local Governance & Services: Rail service on the Sahel line between Monastir and Sousse Bab Jedid has resumed after an earlier electric cable fault. Culture & Media: Tunisia’s underground scene gets a vinyl spotlight with Are You Alien’s album “Transmission Signals.” Diplomacy & Business: Italy’s ambassador visited Wafra Agricole in a Tunisian-Italian agricultural cooperation push.

Gaza Aid Push: The Sumud 2 convoy has resumed its journey after a stop in Libya’s Zliten for passport checks, with organizers saying it’s carrying 50 containers of humanitarian relief toward Gaza, including aid supplies, mobile housing units and ambulances, and involving more than 350 activists from around 30 countries. Public Health Milestone: The WHO has officially validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, praising years of sustained primary healthcare work and the SAFE strategy. Eid Calendar: Tunisia has confirmed Dhu Al Hijjah begins Monday, May 18, with Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27, aligning with Turkey and ahead of other countries’ moon-sighting announcements. Space Ambition: Tunisia is moving ahead with development of its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation, aimed at boosting national capacity in agriculture, environmental monitoring and resource management. Street Pressure: Hundreds of Tunisians protested in central Tunis against President Kais Saied, citing economic strain and arrests of opposition figures.

Tunisia Protests: Hundreds of Tunisians marched in central Tunis under the slogan “The people are hungry and prisons are full,” denouncing President Kais Saied’s one-man rule, arrests of opposition figures and journalists, and a worsening economic squeeze marked by soaring prices, medicine shortages and weaker public services. Legal Push: The Assembly’s General Legislation Committee is set to hear legal experts next Monday on draft revisions to the Penal Code and a new drug-offences law, as tensions over judicial independence and press freedom keep rising. Eid Al Adha Timing: Tunisia and Turkey have announced the first day of Eid Al Adha 2026, while other countries are still awaiting the crescent sighting. World Cup Logistics: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is also in the spotlight as Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City prepares to host pool matches including Tunisia vs the Netherlands. Gaza Aid Route: The Sumud aid convoy resumed after a security stop in Libya’s Zliten, with activists including Tunisians continuing toward Gaza.

Protests in Tunis: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied against President Kais Saied, chanting “The people are hungry and prisons are full,” as demonstrators denounced arrests of politicians, journalists and civil society figures alongside shortages, price hikes and deteriorating services. Parliament moves on justice: The Assembly’s General Legislation Committee is set to hear legal experts on Monday about revisions to the Penal Code and the drug law, with lawmakers pushing tougher penalties amid rising theft and violence. Public services under pressure: Tunisia’s transport company is running special bus plans for teachers’ recruitment exams in Tunis on Sunday. Migration and aid: IOM says irregular migration flows from Libya fell 17% in Q1 2026, while flows into Libya’s western borders nearly doubled; meanwhile, the Gaza-bound Sumud land convoy resumed after a long inspection stop in Zliten, Libya. Sports spotlight: Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani won a podium finish at the Shanghai Diamond League, while football news keeps circling the World Cup squads and injuries.

World Cup Momentum: Tunisia’s World Cup build-up hits a key milestone as coach Sabri Lamouchi names his final 26-man squad, with Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri captaining the “Carthage Eagles” and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri plus PSG youngster Khalil Ayari also included—while captain Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah are left out. Japan Injury Blow: Kaoru Mitoma is ruled out after a hamstring injury, leaving Japan to lean on Takefusa Kubo as they face the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F. CAF Champions League Focus: Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR in the first leg of the Champions League final, with the return to continental glory on the line. Tunisia Services & Jobs: Tebourba opens its first Digital Services House, and Tunisia’s unemployment rate falls to 15% in Q1 2026. Travel Relief: The US eases $15,000 visa-bond rules for some World Cup ticket holders, including Tunisian fans.

World Cup Squad Shock: Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi has named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri as captain and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri and PSG youngster Khalil Ayari also included—while Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah are left out. Tunisia’s Group F rivals are Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands, with Tunisia set to open against Sweden on June 15. Japan Injury Blow: Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma is ruled out after a hamstring injury, and coach Hajime Moriyasu said the team has to cope without a “major presence.” US Entry Rules Shift: After backlash, the US has waived visa deposits for ticketed fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia—though conditions still apply and travel hurdles remain. Stadium Spotlight: Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is being reshaped for World Cup matches, including Tunisia vs the Netherlands in pool play. Security Update: A second US soldier missing in Morocco has been found dead, with search continuing for the other serviceman.