AGP Executive Report

Judicial Independence Under Pressure: Tunisia’s civil society and legal community are bracing after the conviction of journalist Haythem El Mekki to one year in prison, a case framed around “insulting others” via social media and tied to reporting on a hospital morgue—critics warn it deepens intimidation and self-censorship. Transitional Justice Hit: A separate blow to accountability follows the sentencing of Sihem Bensedrine over work linked to the Truth and Dignity Commission, raising fears that criminal cases are being used to chill victims and human rights defenders. Lawyers Strike Back: In parallel, Tunisian lawyers staged a major nationwide walkout and protest for judicial independence and the release of detained colleagues, signaling mounting institutional tension. Migration Deal Fallout: Rights groups renew calls to suspend EU support for Tunisia’s border and migration control, arguing the 2023 EU-Tunisia MoU has normalized abuses and fuels violent interceptions and forced returns. Regional Political Roadmap: UNSMIL says Libya election talks will resume in August, focusing on the legal framework for presidential and parliamentary polls and a new mechanism to reach consensus on the HNEC leadership.

Judicial Independence Under Strain in Tunisia: Tunisia’s transitional justice is hit again as Sihem Bensedrine receives prison sentences tied to the Truth and Dignity Commission’s findings, raising fears of a chilling effect on victims and human rights work. Press Freedom Rollback: Journalist Haythem El Mekki is sentenced to one year in prison for posts about a morgue in Sfax, a move rights groups say fits a wider pattern of criminalising media under broad telecom rules. Civil Society Meets Legal Pressure: Lawyers stage a major nationwide strike demanding judicial independence and the release of detained colleagues, underscoring how the justice system is becoming both a shield and a target. EU-Tunisia Migration Deal Fallout: Human rights groups renew calls to suspend EU support for Tunisia’s migration control, arguing the 2023 MoU has normalised abuses and deepened violations at sea and at borders. Libya Political Roadmap: UNSMIL plans to resume Libya election talks in August, focusing on the legal framework for presidential and parliamentary polls. Regional Rights Watch: Amnesty highlights the African Court’s 20-year record while urging AU states to fully back the court’s human-rights mandate.

Tunisia’s Civic Space Under Pressure: A major blow to transitional justice as Sihem Bensedrine is convicted in cases tied to her work at the Truth and Dignity Commission, raising fears of a chilling effect on victims and human rights defenders. Press Freedom at Risk: Journalist Haythem El Mekki was sentenced to one year in prison on appeal under the Telecommunications Code, continuing a pattern of legal harassment against critics. Civil Society and the Courts: Lawyers staged a nationwide strike demanding judicial independence and the release of detained colleagues, underscoring mounting pressure on Tunisia’s legal institutions. EU Migration Deal Scrutiny: 46 rights and humanitarian groups renewed calls for the EU to suspend funding for Tunisia’s migration control after three years of the EU-Tunisia MoU, citing torture, sexual violence, and forced returns. Political Tensions: Tunisia’s Workers’ Party accused a Saied supporter of publicly calling for the assassination of Hamma Hammami, alleging authorities fail to act against such threats.

EU Migration Deal Under Fire: 46 human rights and humanitarian groups say the EU-Tunisia MoU signed in July 2023 has “normalized” abuses, urging Brussels to suspend funding for abusive border and sea interceptions, including EUR 105m for Tunisian coast and border control. Judicial Pressure on Dissent: Tunisian journalist Haythem El Mekki, a critic of President Kais Saied, was sentenced to one year in prison under Decree 54 after appeals revived a case over social media posts. Opposition vs. Saied Camp: Tunisia’s Workers’ Party accuses a Saied supporter of posting a video calling for the assassination of party leader Hamma Hammami, alleging authorities failed to act. Libya Election Roadmap: UNSMIL said its 4+4 mini-committee adopted a new mechanism to reach consensus on a candidate to lead the High National Elections Commission, with more talks set for early August. Human Rights Campaign for Ghannouchi: More than 400 former heads of state, scholars and rights leaders signed an appeal demanding the immediate release of Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi, sentenced in June. Responsible AI Watch: Tunisia ranked 110th of 135 in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, citing weak safeguards and governance gaps. Sea-Watch Smuggling Allegations: Frontex footage reviewed by Le Figaro reignited claims that Sea-Watch cooperated with people-smuggling networks in the central Mediterranean, including alleged coordination during a May 11 rescue near Tripoli.

Judicial Crackdown: Tunisian journalist Haythem El Mekki, a critic of President Kais Saied, was sentenced to one year in prison under Decree 54 for social media posts, with the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists warning of intimidation and self-censorship. Political Prisoners: Rached Ghannouchi, Ennahda’s leader and former parliament speaker, received additional jail time in a case tied to his 2016 Gandhi Peace and Tolerance Prize donation to the Tunisian Red Crescent, as rights groups and international figures renew calls for his release. Political Violence Allegations: The Workers’ Party accused a Saied supporter of posting a video calling for the assassination of its secretary-general Hamma Hammami, saying authorities failed to act. EU–Tunisia Migration Deal: A coalition of rights and humanitarian groups urged the EU to publicly denounce human rights violations in Tunisia and stop funding abusive migration control, citing torture, sexual violence and forced returns linked to the 2023 EU–Tunisia memorandum. UN Mediation: UNSMIL said Libya’s 4+4 mini-committee adopted a new mechanism to reach consensus on a candidate to lead the High National Elections Commission, with further talks set for early August. Governance & Economy: Tunisia ranked 110th of 135 in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, pointing to weak safeguards and limited responsible AI practices despite some enabling conditions. State–Banking Pressure: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri pressed Tunisia’s banking sector to focus on investment financing beyond profit, following delivery of the Central Bank’s 2025 annual report.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalist Haythem El Mekki, a critic of President Kais Saied, was sentenced to one year in prison over social media posts, with rights groups warning of a climate of intimidation and self-censorship. EU Migration Deal Scrutiny: 46 human rights and humanitarian organizations urged the EU to stop funding Tunisia’s migration control after the 2023 EU-Tunisia MoU was linked to torture, sexual violence and deadly abuses, arguing the EU is becoming complicit. Opposition Under Threat: Tunisia’s Workers’ Party accused a Saied supporter of publicly calling for the assassination of its leader Hamma Hammami, alleging authorities fail to act against such content while prosecuting critics. Ghannouchi Sentencing Update: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi received an additional three-year prison sentence tied to his 2016 donation of the Gandhi Peace Prize money to the Tunisian Red Crescent, adding to multiple ongoing cases. Judicial Roadmap Talks (Regional): UNSMIL said Libya’s 4+4 committee adopted a new mechanism to reach consensus on a candidate to lead the High National Elections Commission, with further work scheduled for early August. AI Governance Watch: Tunisia ranked 110th out of 135 in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, citing weak safeguards and limited progress in turning governance foundations into real protections.

Ghannouchi Sentencing: Tunisia’s appeals court has added a further three-year prison term to Rached Ghannouchi over his 2016 donation of the Gandhi Peace Prize money to the Tunisian Red Crescent, deepening his already multiple sentences and renewing criticism from rights groups that the cases are politically motivated. UNSMIL Libya Talks: In Tunis, UNSMIL says the 4+4 mini-committee adopted a new consensus mechanism for selecting the next head of the High National Elections Commission, with work continuing toward a final agreement and another meeting set for early August. Rights Pressure on Tunisia: More than 400 scholars and human rights leaders have renewed calls for the release of Ghannouchi, framing his detention as part of a broader crackdown on political opponents and civil freedoms. Tunisia in the International Spotlight: A separate wave of attention is coming from abroad as Spanish authorities hold US-linked activist James “Fergie” Chambers Jr. amid extradition efforts tied to alleged financing connected to pro-Palestine activism, with his family calling it political persecution. Regional Security Watch: Commentary on the renewed US-Iran confrontation highlights how Gulf states are absorbing the fallout as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz and NATO debates intensify.

Tunisia’s Political Courtroom: Rached Ghannouchi, leader of Ennahda and a key opponent of President Kais Saied, received an additional three-year prison sentence over his 2016 donation of the Gandhi Peace Prize money to the Tunisian Red Crescent, piling onto other cases already keeping him behind bars. UN Electoral Roadmap (Libya, Tunis): UNSMIL says the 4+4 mini-committee adopted a new mechanism to reach consensus on a candidate to head Libya’s High National Elections Commission, with work continuing on the legal framework for presidential and parliamentary elections and another meeting set for early August. Civil Society Under Pressure (Tunisia): Rights groups warn Tunisia’s crackdown on activists is hardening, with concerns that accusations of foreign collusion could be used to silence critics, including those linked to pro-Morocco positions on the Sahara dispute. Regional Security & Diplomacy (Tunisia-linked): A US extradition push tied to an American donor arrested in Ibiza over alleged material support for Hamas is being closely watched for political “chilling effects,” while the case’s claims include alleged fund transfers involving Tunisia. Sports & Politics (Tunisia audience): As World Cup semifinals loom, coverage spotlights the England–Argentina rivalry’s political baggage and Tunisia’s broader North Africa football debate through the tournament’s outcomes.

Tunisia Court & Opposition: Tunisia’s appeals court increased Rached Ghannouchi’s prison sentence by three years over a 2016 donation of Gandhi Peace Prize money to the Tunisian Red Crescent, a move rights groups call excessive and politically motivated. Tunisia Courts & Political Trials: The terrorism-focused Criminal Chamber at the Tunis Court of First Instance rejected Monder Ounissi’s release request and postponed his trial (and others) to Sept. 25 in the audio recordings case. Civil Society Under Pressure: Rights groups and UN experts warn Tunisia’s crackdown on activists, lawyers, and NGOs is hardening into systematic pressure, with Amnesty and Human Rights Watch citing suspensions, harassment, and restrictions. Regional Politics & Morocco Link: Tunisian activists supporting closer ties with Morocco or Rabat’s Sahara position fear authorities may use “foreign influence” accusations to silence them amid a broader civil society squeeze. Global Spotlight on Tunisia: A US-linked arrest case involving James “Fergie” Cox Chambers Jr. alleges transfers to Tunisia tied to support for foreign terrorist organizations, keeping Tunisia in the crosshairs of international legal and political debate. Governance & Rule of Law: A wider regional discussion on judicial independence and the political misuse of justice systems continues, with Tunisia frequently cited as a cautionary example.

Transport Labor Clash: Tunisia’s transport sector is split after UGTT’s transport federation urged non-regular operators to keep services and reject a planned nationwide strike, while UTICA backed the strike pending transport-tariff commitments—raising the stakes for daily mobility and union unity. Judicial Pressure on Opposition: Rached Ghannouchi received an additional three-year prison sentence and a fine over his 2016 donation of Gandhi Peace Prize money to the Tunisian Red Crescent, a move rights groups say is excessive and procedurally flawed. Health Insurance Crunch: CNAM is facing renewed pressure from pharmacists over unpaid debts, with the Tunisian Pharmacists’ Union warning it could suspend the third-party payment system unless arrears are settled. Public Safety & Weather: The National Institute of Meteorology placed 10 governorates under an orange heat alert, warning of dehydration and heatstroke risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Security Diplomacy: Tunisia’s Interior Minister Khaled Nouri spoke by phone with France’s Laurent Nuñez on cross-border crime and drug trafficking, aiming to strengthen bilateral security cooperation. Regional Context: Algeria reported a record electricity demand during a heat wave, with stable supply and continued exports to Tunisia.

Tunisia–France Security: Interior Minister Khaled Nouri spoke by phone with France’s Laurent Nuñez, focusing on cross-border crime and drug trafficking and ways to deepen bilateral security cooperation. Parliament Watch: A Tunisian parliamentary committee will review two draft laws approving air services agreements with Oman (Organic Draft Law No. 40 of 2026) and Kuwait (Organic Draft Law No. 41 of 2026), with Transport Ministry officials set to brief lawmakers. Human Rights Pressure: Rights groups and UN experts again warn about Tunisia’s crackdown on activists, keeping the spotlight on political freedoms and due process. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia’s ties with key partners remain active as Russian and Tunisian foreign ministers exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. International Spotlight: A US extradition case involving activist-financier James “Fergie” Cox Chambers Jr. alleges money transfers from US banks to Tunisia tied to foreign terrorist support claims, while his family calls it political persecution. Public Life & Memory: A minute of silence was observed ahead of the France–Spain World Cup semi-final to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Nice attack, with the Tunisian-linked attacker cited in reporting.

Tunisia’s Civic Space Under Pressure: Rights groups and UN experts warn Tunisia’s crackdown on activists is hardening, with Amnesty and Human Rights Watch citing court-ordered NGO suspensions, threats of dissolution, and judicial harassment—often framed around “foreign influence.” Human Rights Watch Alarm: HRW says prosecutions and pressure on human rights militants have intensified under President Kais Saied, adding to concerns about shrinking room for civil society. Diplomacy Watch: Tunisia’s foreign minister Mohamed Ali Nafti exchanged congratulations with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov on the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, reaffirming cooperation across economic, agricultural, scientific, and cultural fields. Heatwave Alert: Tunisia’s meteorology institute placed 10 governorates under orange alert as temperatures hit 41–46°C with sirocco winds, including Kairouan, Sousse, Monastir, and Kébili. Agriculture Update: Kasserine’s cereal harvest is down: barley production is estimated at about 500,000 quintals (70% completion), blamed on drought, seed and fertiliser shortages, and cold snaps during flowering. Sports & Governance: Étoile du Sahel’s interim committee says a support campaign helped repay 1.3m dinars of 5.8m debt, while coach talks continue; separately, Club Athlétique Bizertin received an interim management committee to regularise its legal status.

Tunisia’s Civic Space Under Pressure: Pro-Morocco activists in Tunisia say a widening crackdown could see them targeted with “foreign agent” accusations, amid broader NGO and rights-group repression. Judicial Process Watch: The Tunis terrorism chamber rejected Monder Ounissi’s release request and postponed his trial (and others) to Sept. 25 in the leaked audio recordings case. Weather & Public Safety: A severe heatwave has put 10 governorates on orange alert, with highs projected between 41°C and 46°C, plus sirocco winds. Agriculture: Kasserine’s cereal harvest is down sharply to about 500,000 quintals (70% completion), blamed on drought, fertilizer shortages, and seed issues. Sports Governance: Étoile du Sahel says it has repaid 1.3m dinars of a 5.8m debt and is pushing to settle coaching talks, while Club Athlétique Bizertin gets an interim management committee to regularize its status. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign minister exchanged congratulations with Russia on the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties.

Tunisia’s courts and governance: The Tunis Court of Appeal upheld prison sentences for three former ETAP officials over alleged misappropriation tied to the Nawara gas field procurement, while reducing terms for two defendants. Judicial process in politics: In the audio recordings case, the terrorism-specialised chamber at the Tunis Court of First Instance rejected Monder Ounissi’s release request and postponed his trial to Sept. 25. Health policy: Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani reviewed steps to improve maternal and newborn care, including midwife training, standardised protocols, better referral pathways, and faster digitisation of medical records. Security and migration: In Nabeul’s Kélibia, maritime guard units foiled 18 irregular migration attempts over four days, arresting nearly 100 people and continuing rescues. Economy and development: Tunisia launched a 2026–2030 plan to rebuild its livestock herd after drought, targeting small farmers’ access to loans and animal health services. Sports and public life: Tunisia’s Raoua Tlili won gold in shot put at the Ostrava para athletics meet, adding to her discus title. Weather: Sunday forecasts warn of extreme heat, with up to 46°C in Kairouan.

Judicial Accountability: Tunisia’s terrorism-focused court rejected Monder Ounissi’s bid for release and postponed his trial (and that of other defendants) to Sept. 25 in the leaked audio recordings case, with multiple figures referred to trial in absentia. State-Owned Energy Oversight: Tunisia’s Court of Appeal upheld prison for former ETAP boss Mohamed Ali Khalil over misappropriation linked to the Nawara gas field, while cutting sentences for two other former officials. Migration Enforcement: Tunisian maritime units, with the navy, foiled 18 irregular crossings from Nabeul toward Italy over four days, arresting nearly 100 people and continuing rescue operations. Maternal Health Push: Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani reviewed reforms to improve care for mothers and newborns, stressing midwife and primary-care capacity, standardized protocols, better referrals, equipment, and digitised records. Economic Planning & Finance: Tunisia’s 2026-2030 livestock recovery plan targets rebuilding herds after drought, using budget funds plus partner financing and digital monitoring. Central Bank Watch: Tunisia’s central bank outlook is being questioned for relying on government assumptions as fuel-subsidy cuts and debt dynamics shape the 2026 risk picture. Sports & National Pride: Tunisia’s Raoua Tlili won gold at the Ostrava para athletics meet, adding to her recent discus success.

Transport Modernisation: Transtu signed a €75m deal with CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for 18 electric trains on the Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa line, co-financed by the EBRD and EIB, with a five-year maintenance package. Public Finance Watch: The World Bank says Tunisia’s recovery is real but fragile, warning that high debt, stalled IMF talks, and weak job creation keep the outlook uncertain. Human Rights & Civic Space: Rights groups and UN experts again warn of a severe crackdown on activists in Tunisia. Hajj Health Delivery: Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani honoured Tunisia’s Hajj medical mission, covering 10,982 pilgrims with 31 medical teams and 35,000 consultations. Consumer Protection: Tunisia’s consumer guidance body warns of abuses in summer holiday rentals, citing price hikes and unfulfilled services, calling for regulation. Foreign Policy: FM Mohamed Ali Nafti held talks with Nigeria’s counterpart on expanding cooperation, including ICT, healthcare, and manufacturing. Governance & Development: Tunisia’s 2026–2030 development plan is set for a plenary session and faces key parliamentary scrutiny. Economy & Industry: Tunisia’s automotive sector is pushing toward high-value and electric mobility integration as exports and jobs grow.