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Tunisia expresses concern over armed attacks in Mali, reaffirms solidarity
via Business News3 min read
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Tunisia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the armed violence targeting Mali and reaffirming its solidarity with the Malian people. Tunisia expressed deep concern over severe armed attacks in several Malian cities, including the capital Bamako, which resulted in numerous casualties. The ministry rejected any infringement on Mali's unity, sovereignty, security, and stability. These attacks, which occurred on April 26, were reportedly carried out by jihadist groups affiliated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims GSIM, an Al-Qaeda-linked organization, in alliance with Tuareg separatist movements from the Azawad Liberation Front FLA. The strategic northern city of Kidal, a former Tuareg rebel stronghold, reportedly fell under insurgent control without major confrontation after the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Africa Corps. The attacks, which claimed the life of the Minister of Defense, were accompanied by GSIM claims of responsibility, with the group also calling for foreign forces not to intervene. University professor and Islamist group specialist Alaya Allani indicated that this crisis is part of a long-standing instability dating back to the 1990s, marked by the gradual entrenchment of extremist groups in the Sahel region. Allani noted that foreign military interventions, such as the French intervention in 2012, did not permanently resolve the security problem but rather contributed to the reconfigur
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Tunisia's overall compliance rate for wage declarations stood at 58% for 2025, a level deemed average by Mohamed Naceur Mrabet, central director at the National Social Security Fund CNSS. Out of 224,859 employers, only 129,763 submitted wage declarations. Workers in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors are significantly affected, with a declaration rate not exceeding 22%. Domestic workers are the most vulnerable, with a rate of only 21%, despite their inclusion under social security law since 2002. In contrast, the improved agricultural employee scheme shows the highest compliance at 71%, followed by the non-agricultural sector at 63%. Mrabet emphasized the need to strengthen control mechanisms, combat social evasion, and simplify declaration procedures to improve overall compliance. He also noted progress in the digitalization of CNSS services, with 60% of payments to CNSS in April 2026 made through digital channels, reducing congestion at social security centers.
Must ReadOn Tuesday, April 28, 2026, American President Donald Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that Iran is in a "state of collapse." He further claimed that Tehran has requested the United States to "open the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible" while Iran attempts to resolve its leadership situation. Trump added that he believes Iranian authorities will be "able to resolve" this situation. These statements have not been corroborated by independent or official Iranian sources. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil trade, and any disruption there can impact energy markets and regional stability. Trump's remarks come amidst fragile negotiations and precarious geopolitical balances in the region, with indirect discussions attempting to consolidate a ceasefire in various Middle Eastern conflict zones. Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed Trump's claims, maintaining a stance of resilience against economic and diplomatic pressures while participating indirectly in ongoing discussions. Trump's statements are part of his often unpredictable communication style, which can fuel tensions or influence ongoing negotiations in a delicate regional balance.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the correctional chamber of the Court of First Instance of Tunis sentenced members of a human trafficking and sexual assault network targeting minors to prison terms ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment. The accused were incarcerated for human trafficking and rape of minors using violence and threats, according to Mosaïque FM. The ten-person network was dismantled in Tunis following a series of security raids conducted in the El Mourouj and Sidi Hassine areas in early February. The operation was carried out by agents from the brigade for combating violence against women and children in Sidi Hassine, supported by the judicial police brigade of the same district. The suspects lured young girls from troubled families or those who had run away from home or shelters, trapping them with false promises of employment or accommodation. Two women, members of the network, were responsible for attracting minors in several areas, including La Soukra, La Marsa, and Aïn Zaghouan.
Butter prices in Tunisia have reached unprecedented levels, with a 200-gram packet selling for up to 8.200 dinars, equivalent to 41 dinars per kilogram. This makes butter more expensive than various types of meat, such as beef at 39.500 dinars per kilogram, seasoned minced steak at 38 dinars per kilogram, chicken breast at 15.900 dinars per kilogram, and turkey breast at 22.350 dinars per kilogram, according to prices observed on April 28, 2026. This price inversion, where a processed dairy product costs more than raw meat requiring extensive production processes, indicates a significant market imbalance. While prices vary across retailers, the overall trend is concerning. The article questions the role of the state in regulating prices and protecting consumers, especially given official rhetoric about social equity and market protection. It suggests that this situation points to a deep dysfunction in market mechanisms, either due to uncontrolled production and distribution costs or excessive profit margins, ultimately burdening consumers without clear justification. The author emphasizes that this is not merely an economic anecdote but a critical warning sign of underlying issues within the economy.