Tunisian human rights observatory reports arrest of a dozen Tunisians in Libya, links it to case of Libyans in Tunisia
via Business News4 min read
Mostafa Abdelkebir, president of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights OTDH, reported the arrest of approximately twelve Tunisians in the Zaouïa region of Libya. He stated that these arrests appear to be connected to the case of three Libyan nationals who were arrested and are being prosecuted in Tunisia. The OTDH was alerted by distress calls from Tunisian citizens in Libya, leading to the discovery of these arrests. The individuals arrested include Tunisian workers, travelers, and passengers. The OTDH has initiated steps to understand the circumstances and reasons behind these arrests. According to Abdelkebir, the organization has established a link between these arrests and the case of three Libyans accused of crimes in Libya, who were arrested in Tunisia in late 2024. He emphasized that the Tunisian judicial process for these Libyans is ongoing and follows legal cooperation mechanisms between the two countries. Abdelkebir views the arrests of Tunisians in Libya as a form of pressure and believes that Tunisian citizens should not be used as bargaining chips in a judicial matter they are unrelated to. He called for the immediate release of the detained Tunisians, asserting that no logic of retaliation or pressure should be accepted. Abdelkebir also clarified the situation of two Tunisian women initially reported missing in Tripoli. Investigations revealed they were not missing but had been detained for four days by official authorities in Tripoli, reportedly in connecti
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Must ReadMédecins sans frontières MSF reported on Monday, June 15, 2026, that the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC is worsening, progressing faster than the response efforts. The organization expressed concern over significant deficiencies in testing, surveillance, and community awareness. Kate White, MSF Emergency Medical Coordinator in the DRC, stated that one month after the epidemic's declaration, its true extent and the exact areas of virus circulation remain unknown. MSF is calling for increased mobilization and a response commensurate with the ongoing crisis. The DRC officially declared the epidemic on May 15, marking the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country. Two days later, the World Health Organization WHO issued an international health alert. The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. Congolese authorities and the WHO have reported 782 cases, including 181 deaths, though MSF believes these figures likely represent only a fraction of the reality. MSF highlighted that despite recent intensification, significant gaps in diagnosis, surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement compromise control efforts. While the WHO noted improved contact tracing, with over 70% of exposed individuals now monitored, MSF's Emergency Coordinator in the DRC, Frédéric Lai Manantsoa, warned that time is critical, stating that the epidemic can still be controlled but the margin for action is
Tunisia's 1-5 defeat against Sweden in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup group stage has ignited widespread dismay and discussion beyond the football pitch. The manner of the loss, with the team appearing overwhelmed and disorganized, led many to view it as a symptom of deeper national problems. Commentators on social media and in sports circles expressed shock, anger, and disillusionment, arguing that the sporting humiliation reflects broader societal dysfunctions. Some, like Abdelaziz Belkhodja, attributed the poor performance to structural failures such as outdated infrastructure, lack of vision, and chaotic governance. Others, including Mahmoud Baroudi, highlighted the absence of modern training centers, insufficient infrastructure, and a lag in technical analysis and scientific preparation, questioning how the country can compete without adequate structures. Moez Joudi pointed to a broader culture of marginalizing competence and a general erosion of values. Journalist Meher Kacem expressed a painful resignation, citing a lack of high-level trained players, inadequate coaches and analysts, and approximate management. The consensus among many reactions is that the defeat is not merely a sporting accident but a recurring warning sign, challenging the nation's ability to plan, build, and believe in sustainable improvement.
Aslan Ben Rejeb, president of the Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia Conect, presented proposals for a new Exchange Code to the Finance and Budget Committee of the Assembly of People's Representatives. Conect submitted 41 amendment proposals, aiming to create a framework suited to the contemporary economy. Ben Rejeb highlighted that the current legislation, dating back to 1976, is outdated for an economy shaped by the internet, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the reform is not merely technical but a structural project that will influence exports, imports, foreign exchange reserves, the trade balance, inflation, and investments. Conect advocates for a shift from a logic of prior prohibition to one of freedom with post-facto control, similar to risk-based approaches used by customs administrations. This would reduce constraints on compliant businesses while focusing controls on high-risk situations. Ben Rejeb also pointed out that current regulations hinder the competitiveness of Tunisian businesses in international logistics and digital transformation, where rapid financial transactions are crucial. He noted that banks' overly cautious interpretation of existing texts can create delays and blockages. Furthermore, Conect believes the new code should better integrate the Tunisian diaspora, which numbers around 1.06 million people, by encouraging productive investments rather than just family remittances. Ben Rejeb stressed the importa