🇱🇾🇹🇳 UN probing reported mass grave on Libya-Tunisia border
The U.N. human rights chief said on Tuesday that his office was following up on reports of a mass grave in the desert along the Libya-Tunisia border, after the bodies of at least 65 migrants were found at another site earlier this year.
In a speech, Volker Turk denounced widespread violations against migrants and refugees in Libya, which straddes a dangerous transit route that runs through the Sahara Desert and across the southern Mediterranean.
Abuses against migrants were being "perpetrated at scale, with impunity" by both state and non-state actors, Turk said, listing crimes including human trafficking, torture, forced labour, extortion, starvation, detention and mass expulsions.
"I urge the authorities to respond swiftly to our inquiries, and to investigate these crimes fully," he told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva in a speech addressing Libya's human rights record over the last year.
#Libya #Tunisia
@africaintel
The U.N. human rights chief said on Tuesday that his office was following up on reports of a mass grave in the desert along the Libya-Tunisia border, after the bodies of at least 65 migrants were found at another site earlier this year.
In a speech, Volker Turk denounced widespread violations against migrants and refugees in Libya, which straddes a dangerous transit route that runs through the Sahara Desert and across the southern Mediterranean.
Abuses against migrants were being "perpetrated at scale, with impunity" by both state and non-state actors, Turk said, listing crimes including human trafficking, torture, forced labour, extortion, starvation, detention and mass expulsions.
"I urge the authorities to respond swiftly to our inquiries, and to investigate these crimes fully," he told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva in a speech addressing Libya's human rights record over the last year.
#Libya #Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳The head of the opposition party Ennahda, Ajami Lurimi, was arrested in Tunisia. The reasons for his arrest are unknown.
Party leader Rashed Ghannouchi has been in custody since April 2023. Ennahda was the largest party in the Tunisian parliament until President Kais Said dissolved the legislature in July 2021.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Party leader Rashed Ghannouchi has been in custody since April 2023. Ennahda was the largest party in the Tunisian parliament until President Kais Said dissolved the legislature in July 2021.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Tunisia urges Europe to increase assistance to tackle migration crisis
Tunisia's prime minister urged European countries on Wednesday to increase financial assistance to his country and others to help tackle the flow of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
Tunisia has faced protests by local residents and extra financial costs over migrants arriving from other countries in the hope of travelling on to Europe by sea, risking perilous journeys on what in many cases are dilapidated boats.
Thousands of migrants are now concentrated in southern Tunisian towns such as Amra and Jbeniana, many of them fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East in the hope of a better life in Europe.
"More assistance must be provided to countries such as Tunisia. The aid provided is insufficient to address the problem", Tunisian Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani told a migration conference in Tripoli.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Tunisia's prime minister urged European countries on Wednesday to increase financial assistance to his country and others to help tackle the flow of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
Tunisia has faced protests by local residents and extra financial costs over migrants arriving from other countries in the hope of travelling on to Europe by sea, risking perilous journeys on what in many cases are dilapidated boats.
Thousands of migrants are now concentrated in southern Tunisian towns such as Amra and Jbeniana, many of them fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East in the hope of a better life in Europe.
"More assistance must be provided to countries such as Tunisia. The aid provided is insufficient to address the problem", Tunisian Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani told a migration conference in Tripoli.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 In Tunisia, the expulsion of the French and American ambassadors due to their involvement in Gaza
"The French and the Americans are the allies of the Zionists," they chanted in front of the French embassy.
They also demanded an end to "any normalization" of relations with Israel.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
"The French and the Americans are the allies of the Zionists," they chanted in front of the French embassy.
They also demanded an end to "any normalization" of relations with Israel.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 The current President of Tunisia, Kais Said,announced that he plans to be re-elected as head of state in the upcoming elections on October 6.
He added that he intends to “continue the national liberation struggle.”
#Tunisia
@africaintel
He added that he intends to “continue the national liberation struggle.”
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Insect wreaks havoc on Tunisia’s crucial prickly pear industry
A tiny insect is ravaging Tunisia’s prickly pears, a critical source of revenue for the North African country's agriculture sector and economy.
"Our biggest fear, which has caused me insomnia, is the fear of the cochineal insect that threatens our harvest," says Bassem Sahnoun, a farmer struggling, like many others, to protect the popular fruit.
The insect, known to some as the prickly pear cochineal, has devastated vast areas of plantations and caused concerns about its economic impact since it was first discovered in the country in 2021, farmers and agricultural experts say.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
A tiny insect is ravaging Tunisia’s prickly pears, a critical source of revenue for the North African country's agriculture sector and economy.
"Our biggest fear, which has caused me insomnia, is the fear of the cochineal insect that threatens our harvest," says Bassem Sahnoun, a farmer struggling, like many others, to protect the popular fruit.
The insect, known to some as the prickly pear cochineal, has devastated vast areas of plantations and caused concerns about its economic impact since it was first discovered in the country in 2021, farmers and agricultural experts say.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳In Tunisia, hundreds of supporters of President Kais Said, who came to power in 2019, demonstrated on Republic Day.
At the same time as these actions, families of political prisoners held by Said's regime gathered to protest and demand the release of their loved ones.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
At the same time as these actions, families of political prisoners held by Said's regime gathered to protest and demand the release of their loved ones.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Tunisian presidential candidates complain of restrictions and intimidation
Tunisian opposition parties, presidential candidates and human rights groups have accused the authorities of using "arbitrary restrictions" and intimidation in order to ensure the re-election of President Kais Saied in a vote set for Oct. 6.
Saied announced on July 19 that he would seek another five-year term. Elected in 2019, Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree in a move the opposition described as a coup. He has said he will not hand over power to what he calls "non-patriots".
As an Aug. 6 deadline for registering as a presidential candidate looms, 11 opposition figures who hope to run against Saied issued a joint statement this week criticising the authorities.
"The violations have affected most of the serious candidates to the point that they appear to indicate a desire to exclude them (from the election) and restrict them in order to make way for a specific candidate," they said in the joint statement.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Tunisian opposition parties, presidential candidates and human rights groups have accused the authorities of using "arbitrary restrictions" and intimidation in order to ensure the re-election of President Kais Saied in a vote set for Oct. 6.
Saied announced on July 19 that he would seek another five-year term. Elected in 2019, Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree in a move the opposition described as a coup. He has said he will not hand over power to what he calls "non-patriots".
As an Aug. 6 deadline for registering as a presidential candidate looms, 11 opposition figures who hope to run against Saied issued a joint statement this week criticising the authorities.
"The violations have affected most of the serious candidates to the point that they appear to indicate a desire to exclude them (from the election) and restrict them in order to make way for a specific candidate," they said in the joint statement.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Abir Moussi Submits Candidacy for Tunisian Presidency from Prison
Members of the defense team of Abir Moussi, head of the Free Destourian Party, submitted on Saturday her candidacy for the presidency of Tunisia to the Independent High Authority for Elections.
The elections are set for October 6.
Moussi, a lawyer and activist, was arrested in front of the presidential palace in October 2023 when she filed an appeal against a presidential decree that she said paralyzed state institutions.
She faces another complaint from the elections authority over remarks that questioned its integrity.
Several opposition members have been jailed on various charges, such as conspiring against the state.
The opposition accuses President Kais Saied and the authorities of exerting pressure on its candidates and undermining democracy.
Saied announced on July 19 that he would seek another five-year term. Elected in 2019, Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree in a move the opposition described as a coup. He has said he will not hand over power to what he calls "non-patriots".
None of the 11 opposition candidates have yet obtained a document certifying that they have no criminal record - a new condition - which will then allow them to register.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Members of the defense team of Abir Moussi, head of the Free Destourian Party, submitted on Saturday her candidacy for the presidency of Tunisia to the Independent High Authority for Elections.
The elections are set for October 6.
Moussi, a lawyer and activist, was arrested in front of the presidential palace in October 2023 when she filed an appeal against a presidential decree that she said paralyzed state institutions.
She faces another complaint from the elections authority over remarks that questioned its integrity.
Several opposition members have been jailed on various charges, such as conspiring against the state.
The opposition accuses President Kais Saied and the authorities of exerting pressure on its candidates and undermining democracy.
Saied announced on July 19 that he would seek another five-year term. Elected in 2019, Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree in a move the opposition described as a coup. He has said he will not hand over power to what he calls "non-patriots".
None of the 11 opposition candidates have yet obtained a document certifying that they have no criminal record - a new condition - which will then allow them to register.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Tunisian opposition figure Moussi sentenced to prison ahead of October election
A potential presidential candidate in Tunisia has been sentenced to two years in prison, marking another setback to the country’s fledgling opposition challenging President Kais Saied as he seeks a new term.
Abir Moussi, a 49-year-old lawyer and the head of the right-wing Free Destourian Party, was arrested in October after criticizing the electoral process and presidential decrees guiding it, alleging a lack of transparency.
Following a complaint by the North African nation's election authority, she was found guilty of violating a controversial anti-fake news decree outlawing spreading information that slanders or harms others. The law has been widely used to prosecute those who criticize authorities.
Moussi’s lawyer Nafaa Laribi told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she still intends to run in the Oct. 6 presidential election, and that, unlike other candidates, nothing in Monday's sentence prevents her from running.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
A potential presidential candidate in Tunisia has been sentenced to two years in prison, marking another setback to the country’s fledgling opposition challenging President Kais Saied as he seeks a new term.
Abir Moussi, a 49-year-old lawyer and the head of the right-wing Free Destourian Party, was arrested in October after criticizing the electoral process and presidential decrees guiding it, alleging a lack of transparency.
Following a complaint by the North African nation's election authority, she was found guilty of violating a controversial anti-fake news decree outlawing spreading information that slanders or harms others. The law has been widely used to prosecute those who criticize authorities.
Moussi’s lawyer Nafaa Laribi told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she still intends to run in the Oct. 6 presidential election, and that, unlike other candidates, nothing in Monday's sentence prevents her from running.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Tunisian President removes PM
President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani late Wednesday, appointing Social Affairs Minister Kamel Maddouri as his replacement.
Hachani, who had been in office since August 2022, had earlier touted the government's progress despite global challenges, including securing food and energy supplies.
This comes amidst widespread public dissatisfaction with the ongoing water and electricity outages across the country as well as tensions due to upcoming elections.
The agriculture ministry reports critically low dam levels at just 25%.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani late Wednesday, appointing Social Affairs Minister Kamel Maddouri as his replacement.
Hachani, who had been in office since August 2022, had earlier touted the government's progress despite global challenges, including securing food and energy supplies.
This comes amidst widespread public dissatisfaction with the ongoing water and electricity outages across the country as well as tensions due to upcoming elections.
The agriculture ministry reports critically low dam levels at just 25%.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Tunisia's electoral commission accepts just three candidates for presidential election
unisia's electoral commission said on Saturday it had preliminarily accepted only three presidential candidates, including incumbent Kais Saied, amid widespread criticism of what the opposition says are moves to exclude serious contenders.
The commission said it had accepted the candidacies of Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui, who is seen as close to Saied, and Ayachi Zammel for the Oct. 6 election, while rejecting 14 others.
Zammel is the head of the Azimoun party, and has not previously been regarded as a influential politician.
Prominent politicians, including Mondher Znaidi, Imed Daimi, Abdel Latif Mekki, Karim Gharbi, Safi Said, Kamel Akrout and Nizar Chaari, said the interior ministry refused to provide them with the criminal record details required by the commission as a new condition to run.
They accused the authorities of seeking to return Tunisia to the years of dictatorship and sham elections that were the norm before a revolution in 2011.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
unisia's electoral commission said on Saturday it had preliminarily accepted only three presidential candidates, including incumbent Kais Saied, amid widespread criticism of what the opposition says are moves to exclude serious contenders.
The commission said it had accepted the candidacies of Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui, who is seen as close to Saied, and Ayachi Zammel for the Oct. 6 election, while rejecting 14 others.
Zammel is the head of the Azimoun party, and has not previously been regarded as a influential politician.
Prominent politicians, including Mondher Znaidi, Imed Daimi, Abdel Latif Mekki, Karim Gharbi, Safi Said, Kamel Akrout and Nizar Chaari, said the interior ministry refused to provide them with the criminal record details required by the commission as a new condition to run.
They accused the authorities of seeking to return Tunisia to the years of dictatorship and sham elections that were the norm before a revolution in 2011.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 🇩🇿 After a 30-year pause, the railway connection between Algeria and Tunisia is officially back in operation
The National Company for Rail Transport in Algeria announced the resumption of services, with the inaugural commercial journey departing from Tunis on Sunday.
The train line, covering a distance of 357 kilometers, will initially offer one daily service between Annaba in Algeria and Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, passing through several cities in both countries.
The service was initially halted in 1995 due to security concerns and subsequently suspended again in 2003 due to technical issues.
#Algeria #Tunisia
@africaintel
The National Company for Rail Transport in Algeria announced the resumption of services, with the inaugural commercial journey departing from Tunis on Sunday.
The train line, covering a distance of 357 kilometers, will initially offer one daily service between Annaba in Algeria and Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, passing through several cities in both countries.
The service was initially halted in 1995 due to security concerns and subsequently suspended again in 2003 due to technical issues.
#Algeria #Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Human Rights Watch calls for end to 'Political Prosecutions' In Tunisia
The rights group has called on Tunisia authorities to end politically motivated prosecutions and allow for free and fair elections.
"After jailing dozens of prominent opponents and activists, Tunisian authorities have removed almost all serious contenders from the presidential race, reducing this vote to a mere formality," said Human Rights Watch's deputy Middle East and North Africa director, Bassam Khawaja.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
The rights group has called on Tunisia authorities to end politically motivated prosecutions and allow for free and fair elections.
"After jailing dozens of prominent opponents and activists, Tunisian authorities have removed almost all serious contenders from the presidential race, reducing this vote to a mere formality," said Human Rights Watch's deputy Middle East and North Africa director, Bassam Khawaja.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
🇹🇳 Tunisian president shuffles cabinet ahead of presidential vote in October
The presidency said Khaled Shili would be the new defense minister and Mohamed Ali Nafti the foreign-affairs minister.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
The presidency said Khaled Shili would be the new defense minister and Mohamed Ali Nafti the foreign-affairs minister.
#Tunisia
@africaintel