Tunisian government announces measures for diaspora, focusing on transport and digitalization
via Business News5 min read
The Tunisian government held a ministerial council on April 25, 2026, chaired by Head of Government Sarrah Zaafrani Zenzri, to improve transport services and modernize administrative, digital, and customs services. This initiative aligns with President Kaïs Saïed's directives, aiming to enhance citizen mobility, simplify administrative procedures, and strengthen the digitalization of public services, with a goal to complete the digital transformation of the administration by 2026. The council emphasized improving air, sea, and land transport sectors, recognizing them as economic and social pillars. Special attention was given to preparing for the summer season and the return of Tunisians residing abroad. Measures for the diaspora include reduced fares and easier booking on Tunisair flights and CTN – Tunisian Navigation Company crossings. These provisions encompass preferential rate tickets, improved baggage allowances, flexible modification or cancellation options, and special offers for families and students, alongside reaffirmed early booking programs and reduced-price family packages. The council also focused on accelerating the digitalization of public services, with plans to generalize online procedures in consular, customs, and services for Tunisians abroad. Announced projects include the dematerialization of civil status records, generalized online consular appointments, digital platforms for customs and border police services, and the digitization of vehicle-related p
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Must ReadThe Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH has strongly condemned a court decision to suspend its activities for one month, calling it an "unjust and arbitrary" measure lacking legal basis. Following an emergency meeting, the LTDH's national council stated that the decision, based on an order from the president of the Tunis Court of First Instance, constitutes a "flagrant attack on freedom of association" and violates the Constitution, Decree-Law No. 88 of 2011 governing associations, and Tunisia's international human rights commitments. The organization views this action within a broader context of "systematic policy" aimed at "submitting civil society" and "intimidating independent and critical voices." The LTDH highlighted an increase in prosecutions against opponents and critics through trials it deems to lack guarantees of fairness, as well as restrictions on its own activities, including bans on prison visits and the suspension of cooperation agreements with authorities. The LTDH expressed its "categorical rejection" of the decision, labeling it "political" and intended to obstruct its "historic" role in defending rights and freedoms. The organization plans to challenge the decision through "all legitimate legal and activist means" and has mandated its executive board to initiate necessary procedures. LTDH President Bassem Trifi called for mobilization from the League's members, civil society actors, and democratic forces to defend associative freedom and fundamental rights.
Former Minister Mohamed Abbou has strongly criticized the state of justice in Tunisia, drawing parallels between the cases of journalist Zied El-Heni and Khalifa Guesmi. Abbou highlighted revelations by Zied El-Heni concerning an incident that led to the death of a National Guard officer, while also denouncing what he termed the "catastrophic" state of Tunisian justice. He detailed the Khalifa Guesmi case, where the journalist and a National Guard officer were prosecuted for disclosing information related to a security operation. They were convicted at first instance and on appeal. Following an appeal to the Court of Cassation, the decision was overturned, and the case was sent back. The appellate court subsequently found no essential element of the offense, specifically the lack of proof of a "special operation" authorized by a judicial order. Consequently, the journalist was acquitted, and public action against the officer ceased due to his death in detention. Abbou argues that these events, occurring after three years of detention for the journalist and the officer's death, expose a major failure in the judicial system. He questioned the responsibility of the public prosecutor's office, the investigating judge, and the trial courts for not identifying the absence of a key element of the offense. The former minister placed this case within a broader context of alleged pressure on magistrates, citing judicial revocations, transfers, and the dismantling of judicial governance
BreakingAn attempted attack targeting US President Donald Trump occurred on Saturday evening, April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents' Dinner held at a hotel in Washington. Gunshots were heard near the main hall, causing panic among attendees. An armed man, equipped with multiple weapons including a handgun and a rifle, attempted to breach a security checkpoint in the hotel lobby. He reportedly fired at a Secret Service agent, who was protected by a bulletproof vest and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The assailant was neutralized before reaching the room where the President was located. Donald Trump, his wife, and other key figures were immediately evacuated by Secret Service agents. A suspect, described as being in his thirties, was arrested at the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, focusing on the possibility of a "lone wolf" attacker, with motives yet unknown. The FBI has initiated searches and is collecting additional information. This incident marks the third attempt targeting Donald Trump in less than two years, occurring amidst a highly polarized political climate in the United States. Following the event, the President referred to the attacker as a "potential assassin" and urged for calm, calling on Americans to "resolve their differences peacefully." The White House Correspondents' Dinner has been postponed indefinitely, and a re-evaluation of presidential protection measures is expected.
The port of Zarzis welcomed its first container ship on Sunday, April 26, 2026, marking the launch of its first regular international shipping line for goods transport. This new connection links the ports of Zarzis and Radès with the ports of Gioia Tauro and Tripoli. Approximately 407 empty containers were received to be distributed to clients and then re-exported before mid-May 2026. This initiative aims to support the economic activity of southeastern Tunisia, meet the needs of exporting companies, and encourage investment by reducing transport costs and delays. Appropriate equipment has been mobilized to ensure port operations. Additionally, the port is preparing to begin dredging work by the end of the year to accommodate larger vessels with a draft of up to 11 meters and enhance navigation safety.