AGP Executive Report

UNGA Protest: Nearly 70 countries walked out or left seats vacant as Benjamin Netanyahu began his UN General Assembly address, with Tunisia among those reported absent; Netanyahu hit back calling remaining delegates “moral cowards.” Migration Pressure in Tunisia: AFP reports sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia face harsher conditions, with many registering for “voluntary return” while humanitarians say some are pushed out against their will. Security & Biometrics: Interpol coordinated “Operation Shams II” in Tunis, extracting 108,076 facial images from jihadist content and identifying 126 terrorism suspects using face biometrics. Tunisia–EU Talks: Tunisia’s foreign minister urged a review of the Tunisia–EU partnership agreement to make it more balanced and realistic. Economy & Prices: Tunisia’s trade ministry says rice and some hygiene/cleaning products are expected to see price declines soon. Business & Industry: AKSA Composites officially set up in Tunisia at Borj Cédria Technopole, investing $5m to build aerospace-focused composite manufacturing. Agriculture: Tunisia’s olive oil sector: 2.1m hectares, 212k tonnes average exports over five years, and a 2025/26 production jump to about 500k tonnes.

UNGA Walkout: Nearly 70 countries’ delegations left or skipped seats as Benjamin Netanyahu began his UN speech, with Tunisia among those reported to protest over Israel’s Gaza campaign; Netanyahu hit back calling remaining delegates “moral cowards.” Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti in New York, discussing deeper political ties and Tunisia’s participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Tunisia–EU Talks: Nafti urged a more realistic, equitable Tunisia–EU partnership agreement during meetings in New York. Food Prices Watch: Tunisia’s trade ministry says rice and some hygiene/cleaning products are expected to get cheaper soon after packaging issues are resolved; it also denies fuel and key food price hikes. Banking Scrutiny: BH Bank reported a 72% plunge in H1 2026 net profit to TND 15.2m, with auditors issuing four reservations over systems and accounting issues. Business & Trade: ICC’s TradeRoots Africa opens applications to back 1,000 SMEs across Africa, including Tunisian firms. Sports: Tunisia drew 1-1 with Uganda in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, while other qualifiers delivered opening-round results.

Fuel Crisis in Tunisia: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike demanding better conditions, wage hikes, unpaid allowances from 2019, and settlement of social security dues, triggering rushes to petrol stations while officials say fuel is still available but warn of disruption risk. Protest Pressure: The strike comes amid wider public anger over electricity and water outages, rising prices, and medicine shortages, with critics pointing to a deeper economic squeeze. Foreign Policy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti met Serbia’s Marko Djuric in New York, discussing stronger political dialogue, high-level visits, and Tunisia’s participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Climate Finance Push: Tunisia’s agriculture and water ministry is preparing a pipeline of projects to tap Green Climate Fund and Loss and Damage funding, aiming to support adaptation for farming, water, and marine sectors. Regional Business Links: Tunisian business leaders explored investment opportunities in Algeria, while Libya approved 52 decisions to expand foreign companies’ operations, including Tunisian firms. Sports & Society: International attention also focused on hunger-striking pro-Palestine activists in Tunisia, with high-profile calls for urgent release and medical care.

Fuel Crisis: Fuel transport workers in Tunis launched a 48-hour strike demanding better conditions, wage hikes, unpaid allowances and settlement of social security dues, triggering fears of shortages as citizens rushed to petrol stations; officials say fuel is still available but warn disruptions could grow. Public Anger & Economy: The strike lands amid wider frustration over electricity and water outages, rising prices and medicine shortages, with analysts linking it to a deeper economic squeeze and funding pressures. Foreign Relations: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti met Serbia’s Marko Djuric in New York, discussing stronger political dialogue, cultural/education ties and Tunisia’s participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Tourism & Finance: Tunisia’s central bank reports tourism revenues reached about $2bn (6,093.3m dinars) as of Sept. 20, up 4.7% year-on-year. Climate Funding: The agriculture ministry is preparing a project pipeline to tap Green Climate Fund and Loss & Damage financing for water, agriculture and marine adaptation. Human Rights: A Gaza Sumud flotilla activist, Wael Naouar, is hospitalized in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike, with rights groups accusing authorities of refusing timely information to his family and lawyers.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Tunisian authorities are facing mounting criticism after pro-Palestinian activist Wael Naouar was hospitalized in critical condition following a 39-day hunger strike in prison, with rights groups saying he is “on the verge of death” and alleging officials refuse to share updates with his family and lawyers. Diplomacy & Culture: In Tunis, the Arab League’s Institute of Arabic Manuscripts honoured Qatar National Library for preserving Arab manuscript heritage, signing a cooperation deal on digitisation and access. Anti-Corruption Push: Arab states called for stronger regional cooperation to prevent corruption and tackle financial crimes, with discussions held in Doha. Business & Energy: Tunisia’s gold market remains stable, but artisans warn raw-material shortages are affecting manufacturing and pricing. Sports (Tunisia): Tunisia’s men’s volleyball team reached the 2026 African Championship final after beating Morocco 3-1, setting up a Friday title match. Tech & Security: Interpol says an AI-backed operation coordinated in Tunisia helped identify 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters from more than 100,000 jihadist images.

Tunisia Activism Under Pressure: Reuters reports Gaza flotilla hero Wael Naouar is over a month into an open-ended hunger strike in a prison outside Tunis, demanding financial-misconduct charges against him and three fellow activists be dropped, as critics say Tunisia’s crackdown on activists and opposition figures has intensified since President Kais Saied took power in 2021. Business & Investment: Tunisia and the African Development Bank signed two guarantee agreements in Tunis—€111.5m for Grand Tunis drinking-water network efficiency and $110m for environmental rehabilitation and modernization at the Tunisian Chemical Group. Tech & Culture: Tunisia hosted the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival in Hammamet, with Chinese audiovisual works showcased and a push for China–Arab cooperation in content, training and AI. Education Support: Ooredoo Fintech backed education fees for 400 orphaned children in Tunisia via a community initiative with Association Rose de L’Espoir. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s volleyball scene continues with Wafalme Stars preparing for a 9th/10th-place playoff against DR Congo, after a tough tournament start.

Water & Industry Financing: Tunisia and the African Development Bank signed guarantee agreements to back water network upgrades in Greater Tunis (111.5m euros) and environmental modernization at the Tunisian Chemical Group (110m dollars), aiming to boost water and food security and cut pollution. Vector-Borne Health Prep: Tunisia’s veterinary services stepped up surveillance ahead of mosquito and other vector season, with renewed focus on ruminant diseases and rabies vaccination readiness. Protest Crackdown: Tunisia’s defence committee says 15 people were detained after demonstrations in Tunis calling for the release of Gaza flotilla-linked activists, with authorities yet to clarify legal grounds. Digital Media in Tunisia: The Arab Radio and Television Festival opened in Hammamet, bringing 500+ media professionals and featuring radio/TV competitions plus an AI “New Media” category. Agriculture Tech: PRESTo announced the fourth generation of the IREY AQUA irrigation app, expanding digital irrigation management to vegetable farming. Business Update: BH Leasing reported 1.142m dinars net profit for Jan–Jun 2026, up nearly 62% year-on-year. International Spotlight: Spain cleared the extradition request of US activist James “Fergie” Chambers to proceed in court, tied to alleged Hamas-related funding.

Tunisia Protests Crackdown: Tunisian lawyers say at least 11 people were arrested after a Sept. 19 march in Tunis demanding the release of four jailed Gaza flotilla activists, with detainees held over alleged slogans and the case extended after months in custody. Animal Health Preparedness: Tunisia’s veterinary services stepped up surveillance ahead of mosquito and vector season, reviewing rabies vaccination progress and urging tighter risk monitoring for ruminant diseases. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank signed a $500m credit facility with Africa Trade & Distribution to fund procurement, transport, storage and trade corridors, with Tunisia continuing cooperation after a prior $500m loan. Regional Sports: Morocco beat Nigeria 3-2 in a thrilling African Volleyball Nations Championship quarter-final in Tunisia, ending Nigeria’s LA 2028 hopes and sending them to classification matches. UN on Minerals: UN chief António Guterres renewed calls to stop “plundering” Africa’s critical minerals, pushing for local processing, jobs, and permanent African seats at the UN Security Council.

Protest Crackdown in Tunis: Lawyers and activists say at least 11 people were arrested after a Sept. 19 march demanding the release of four jailed Soumoud Flotilla activists, with detention extended and activists warning of deteriorating health. More Detentions: Separate reports say 15 political and civil society activists were detained in a sweeping security crackdown, including Ennahda figures. Budget Oversight: Tunisia’s Finance and Budget Committee meets Monday to review delayed 2026 budget execution reporting and the assumptions for the 2027 budget bill. Food Security Pressure: Tunisia’s grain office reports improved harvest collection, but bread wheat dependence remains stark—durum covers only part of needs while soft wheat imports continue. Internet Use Up: A new INT study finds 85.9% of Tunisians are online, with usage highest among young people and university graduates. Regional/Global Watch: UN chief António Guterres renewed calls for Africa to keep more value from minerals and secure permanent UN Security Council seats.

Security Crackdown: Tunisian authorities detained 15 political and civil society activists in a sweeping security operation, including Ennahda figures and other opposition and rights voices; families and lawyers say some people are missing and demand full access and disclosure of detainees’ locations. Pro-Palestinian Solidarity Under Pressure: Hundreds protested in Tunis for the release of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists held since March over alleged fundraising irregularities; one detainee has been on hunger strike for over a month as courts extended pre-trial detention. Budget Oversight: Tunisia’s Finance and Budget Committee meets Monday to review delays in the 2026 budget execution report and to discuss 2027 budget assumptions and postponed closure files. Food Security Watch: Tunisia’s grain harvest is improving, but dependence remains: durum wheat may cover needs through January 2027, while soft wheat for bread still relies heavily on imports. Internet Access Study: A new INT study says 85.9% of Tunisians are online, with usage highest among youth and university graduates and lowest among those with no formal schooling. International Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti will lead Tunisia’s UN General Assembly delegation in New York, delivering the national statement and holding bilateral talks.

Pro-Palestinian Solidarity: Hundreds protested in Tunis demanding the release of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists (Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri, Nabil Channoufi), with one entering a second month of hunger strike; a court extended their pre-trial detention by four months over alleged financial irregularities tied to Gaza fundraising. UN Reform Push: UN chief Antonio Guterres urged sweeping global financial and governance reforms, including permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, at the Unstoppable Africa forum in New York. Regional Diplomacy: Libya’s 4+4 committee met in Tunis to review steps toward national elections under a Tripoli agreement signed in August, with UN support and plans for broader consultations. Sports & Hosting: The 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Championship will be held in Tunis (15–25 Sept) with 16 teams, backed by FIVB development support for national federations. Migration Pressure: Rights groups warn migrants and refugees in Tunisia face harsh mistreatment amid tighter controls and EU-Tunisia cooperation, as Tunisians continue to leave despite rising death tolls. Business/Industry: Tunisia’s foreign minister Mohamed Ali Nafti will lead the country’s delegation to the UN General Assembly in New York, while Tunisia’s economy also sees ongoing investment and corporate updates.

UN Diplomacy: UN chief Antonio Guterres urged global financial and governance reform, including permanent African seats on the UN Security Council, at a forum on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Tunisia Protests: Hundreds marched in Tunis demanding the release of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists jailed since March over alleged financial misconduct tied to a Gaza aid mission; supporters say the charges are politically motivated and linked to a wider crackdown on civil society. Foreign Affairs: Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti will lead the country’s delegation to the UN General Assembly high-level segment, delivering Tunisia’s national statement and taking part in regional ministerial coordination. Business & Industry: Knauf is reviving a long-delayed gypsum project in Tataouine, aiming to resolve land issues and move toward implementation after years of stoppage. Economy & Trade: OCP Nutricrops signed an MoU with Brazil to supply 3.8 million tonnes of fertilizer in 2026-2027, alongside cooperation on plant nutrition and innovation. Security: INTERPOL said an AI-backed counter-terrorism operation in Tunis identified 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters from jihadist online content.

Human Rights & Pro-Palestinian Solidarity: Hundreds of Tunisians protested to demand the release of four jailed Gaza flotilla activists, accusing authorities of politically motivated detention as one group says hunger strikes are worsening health. Migration & Rights: A coalition of NGOs says refugees and migrants in Tunisia face harsh mistreatment, including rape, arbitrary detention and collective expulsions, tied to the EU-Tunisia deal meant to curb irregular departures. Security & Counter-Terrorism: INTERPOL says a Tunis-hosted AI-backed operation (“Operation Shams II”) identified 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters from jihadist online content, with Tunisia among the participating countries. Economy & Industry: Tunisia’s Knauf is reviving a long-stalled Tataouine gypsum project after a 14-year delay, while Tunisia’s luxury car grey market is surging as re-registrations dominate premium brand volumes. Agriculture & Trade: OCP Nutricrops signed an MoU with Brazil to supply 3.8 million tonnes of fertilizer through 2027. Sports: Tunisia’s football links also appear in regional headlines, including a Tunisia-linked dual-national player pathway and major international volleyball action in Tunisia.

Refugee Rights in Tunisia: More than 40 global NGOs say refugees and migrants in Tunisia face harsh mistreatment, including rape, arbitrary detention and collective expulsions, warning that an EU deal to curb irregular departures has come “at a significant cost” to human rights. Counter-terrorism in Tunisia: INTERPOL says an AI-backed operation, “Operation Shams II,” held in Tunis identified 126 foreign terrorist fighters from 108,076 facial images taken from jihadist content. Business & Industry: Knauf is reviving a long-delayed Tataouine gypsum project, aiming to invest 70 million dinars after years of land-related hurdles. Economy & Agriculture: OCP Nutricrops signed an MoU with Brazil to supply 3.8 million tonnes of fertilizer through 2027. Automotive Market: Tunisia’s grey market is surging for premium brands, with re-registrations driving most volume and squeezing official dealers. Politics & Budget: A parliamentary finance committee meets Monday to review delays in the 2026 budget implementation report and set orientations for the 2027 draft. Education & Tech: Tunisia and China discussed expanding Chinese language teaching and using AI to improve learning quality.

Heavy Rain Hits Greater Tunis: Parts of Tunisia’s capital were flooded after heavy downpours, leaving motorists and residents trapped, with reports of power and internet cuts and classes suspended late. INTERPOL AI Counter-Terror Op in Tunis: “Operation Shams II” used AI on 108,076 facial images from jihadist content to identify 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters, with teams from 11 countries including Tunisia. Tunisia–China Education Push: The Education Ministry met China’s ambassador to expand Chinese language teaching, boost digital learning, and explore AI tools to improve teaching quality. Agriculture Funding Update: Tunisia approved 1,643 agricultural investment projects worth TND 267.9m in the first eight months of 2026, including TND 69.6m in grants and an estimated 1,569 permanent jobs. Budget Committee Meeting: Tunisia’s Finance and Budget Committee will meet Monday to review delays in the 2026 budget implementation report and set orientations for the 2027 draft budget. Sports—Volleyball in Tunis: Nigeria booked the quarter-finals of the African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Algeria.

Severe Weather Disrupts Life in Tunis: Heavy rain flooded parts of the capital, trapping motorists, cutting power and internet, and forcing last-minute class suspensions. Budget Watch: Tunisia’s Finance and Budget Committee meets Monday to review delays in the 2026 budget implementation report and set orientations for the 2027 draft. Education & Tech Ties with China: The education minister met China’s ambassador to expand Chinese language teaching and push AI and digital transformation in schools. Agriculture Funding Update: Tunisia approved 1,643 agricultural investment projects worth TND 267.9m in the first eight months of 2026, with grants totaling TND 69.6m. Business & Industry Moves: TDA Invest announced the full sale of two operating industrial units—one steel/iron mill and one brick factory—positioned for construction-sector investors. Human Rights Recognition: Lawyer Ayachi Hammami is set to receive the 2026 ABA International Human Rights Award for decades of rights defense. Vocational Training Expansion: Tunisia’s new vocational training year starts with four sessions per year and nearly 26,000 places. Local Football Fixtures: Referee appointments were released for postponed Ligue 1 matches ahead of Sunday’s rescheduled games.