Kaïs Saïed advocates for African unity and a new global order
via Business News3 min read
On Friday, June 19, 2026, Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed met with Salma Malika Haddadi, Vice-President of the African Union Commission, at Carthage Palace. President Saïed congratulated Algeria on Haddadi's election, calling it a diplomatic success. During their discussion, President Saïed outlined his vision for Africa's future, emphasizing the need to develop African Union structures to strengthen cooperation among member states. He called for "new approaches" and "new concepts" to replace outdated notions, asserting that human thought is undergoing profound evolution. President Saïed reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to the founding principles of the Organization of African Unity and the African Union. He believes that despite conflicts and the exploitation of resources, the dream of unity persists among African peoples. He stated that a united and constant will can transform dreams into reality, enabling Africans to shape a new future for the continent and humanity. President Saïed highlighted the paradox of resource-rich African nations suffering from civil wars, poverty, and disease, a situation he believes cannot continue. He reiterated Tunisia's stance that "Africa must be for Africans" and stressed the importance of dismantling irregular migration networks involved in human trafficking. Concluding, President Saïed discussed Africa's global role, stating that after centuries of being victims, African peoples must now build a different future based on "new thinking" that
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Several civil society organizations, including the Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH, the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women ATFD, and Amnesty International Tunisia, are calling for a march against racism and hate speech in Tunis on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This mobilization comes in response to an increase in racist discourse, discriminatory remarks, and stigmatization campaigns targeting Black Tunisians and people of sub-Saharan African origin. Organizers highlight a rise in racist aggressions and xenophobic gatherings, often fueled by conspiracy theories. They emphasize that racism is a crime and a social construct, not an opinion, and denounce the conflation of migration, skin color, and criminality. The march will begin at 5:30 PM from Nelson Mandela Square in the Lafayette district of Tunis. Participants aim to condemn racism and all forms of discrimination, while reaffirming human dignity, equal rights, and solidarity. The associations hope this initiative will counter the normalization of previously marginal but now widespread hateful rhetoric, urging citizens to join in defending a Tunisia based on human rights and inclusivity.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly reacted on Friday, June 19, 2026, to statements attributed to US President Donald Trump, who reportedly claimed she "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit in Évian. These remarks, reported by the Italian channel La7, led to the cancellation of an official visit by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani to the United States. According to Reuters and Associated Press, Donald Trump stated in a phone interview with La7 that Giorgia Meloni had insisted so much on getting a photo with him that he eventually accepted "out of pity." Meloni categorically denied Trump's statements in a video on social media, calling them "totally invented." She expressed her astonishment at the US President's behavior towards allies and regretted that he does not show the same determination towards "enemies of the West and the United States," suggesting he is "much more conciliatory" with some of them. Meloni concluded by stating, "Let him remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg anyone." Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his trip to the United States on June 21 and 22, denouncing the remarks as "serious and offensive" towards Meloni and Italy. Several Italian political leaders, including Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio, supported Meloni, with Nordio stating the controversy severely impacted relations between Rome and Washington. This incident follows a peri
Must ReadOn Friday, June 19, 2026, the criminal chamber specializing in financial corruption cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance delivered its verdict in a corruption case involving the Gafsa Phosphate Company CPG. A total of 23 defendants received prison sentences ranging from five to twelve years, along with fines. Among those convicted were a former CEO of CPG and a former Minister of Energy and Mines. The accused were prosecuted for abuse of office to obtain undue advantage for themselves or others, causing prejudice to the administration, violating current regulations, complicity in these acts, and money laundering. Following deliberations, the court imposed prison sentences between five and twelve years, in addition to financial penalties, against the convicted individuals.