🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Parliamentary committee approves five photovoltaic concession projects to green energy mix
via Business News4 min read
On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Committee on Industry, Trade, Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment of the Assembly of People's Representatives adopted five draft laws concerning concession agreements for electricity production from renewable energy sources, primarily photovoltaic plants. The committee, chaired by Mohamed Amine Mbareki, approved these projects by a majority vote, with Vice-President Adnane Allouch and rapporteur Mohamed Ali Fniyra also present. The parliamentary procedure included the reading of the report from the consultative committee on strategic planning and sustainable development, examination of the texts, and then a vote on the titles, the single article, and finally a global adoption. The committee subsequently mandated its bureau to finalize the report in accordance with Article 67 of the Assembly's internal regulations. These agreements address the increasing pressure on the energy model, as the country faces a growing energy bill due to its reliance on energy imports and the imperative of climate action. The use of solar energy is seen as an economic and political necessity, given the country's significant but largely unexploited solar potential and rising electricity demand. These concession projects aim to attract investment, diversify the energy mix, and gradually reduce the country's energy vulnerability.
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Must ReadThe Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH announced on Friday, April 24, 2026, that it was informed of a one-month suspension of its activities. Bassem Trifi, president of the LTDH, stated on social media that the organization, which has fought for rights and freedoms for over fifty years, "will not yield to security and judicial harassment." The LTDH, the oldest human rights organization in the Arab world and Africa, views this decision, if confirmed, as "arbitrary and dangerous," and a direct attack on freedom of association and democratic achievements. The organization believes this measure is part of increasing pressure on civil society, aiming to restrict independent and critical organizations. The LTDH also highlighted that this decision follows other recent tensions, including the suspension of an agreement related to prison visits, which it considers an obstruction to its monitoring role. Legally, the LTDH argues that the measure violates Decree-Law 88 and Tunisia's international commitments on fundamental freedoms, and intends to challenge any official decision before the competent authorities. This situation arises amid recurring tensions between authorities and civil society components concerning freedoms of organization and expression.
Must ReadAmnesty International has released its annual report on the human rights situation in Tunisia, detailing developments over the past year. The report, authored by Myriam Ben Zineb, examines public freedoms, the functioning of the justice system, the activities of civil society organizations, and the treatment of migrants and refugees. It also touches on the political context under President Kaïs Saïed and the government led by Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri. The organization describes a severe picture, noting increased repression and deviations from the rule of law in Tunisia. The full report is available online.
Must ReadThe Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH received notification on Friday, April 24, 2026, of a one-month suspension of its activities. A bailiff delivered the official notice to the organization's headquarters, though the specific reasons for this decision have not yet been made public. Founded in 1977, the LTDH is a prominent human rights organization in the Arab world and Africa, known for its role in documenting violations and defending public liberties. This temporary suspension occurs amidst increasing pressure on civil society organizations in Tunisia. In 2025, similar measures affected other associations, including the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women ATFD and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights FTDES. Reports also suggest that other organizations, such as Mnemty, which advocates for minority rights, and Al Khatt, publisher of the independent media Inkyfada, are currently under scrutiny by authorities and may face dissolution procedures. The suspension of the LTDH marks a further escalation in the strained relationship between Tunisian authorities and civil society actors.
Must ReadUS Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed frustration on Friday, April 24, 2026, regarding the insufficient commitment of several European countries to securing the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth stated that the United States could no longer bear the burden of operations in this strategic area alone, emphasizing that Europeans "need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do." He urged them to "talk less" and become more actively involved, particularly militarily and navally. The American administration seeks tangible engagement from its allies. Reuters reported that internal Pentagon discussions include potential measures against certain NATO countries deemed uncooperative in Iran-related operations. These options could involve increased diplomatic pressure and more significant political decisions as Washington aims to redefine burden-sharing within the alliance. Spain is specifically mentioned, having refused to allow the use of its military bases and airspace for American operations against Iran, including strategic facilities like the Rota naval base and Morón air base. A Pentagon document reportedly considers retaliatory measures against Spain, including unprecedented options within NATO. The Spanish government has defended its stance, asserting it acts in accordance with international law and remains a reliable ally, while declining to engage in military escalation. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical point for global energy trade, with a significant portion of seaborne oil t