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Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed visits Kairouan, emphasizes historical preservation and state responsibility
via Business News2 min read
President Kaïs Saïed visited Kairouan on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, coinciding with the first day of the new Hegira year. He extended wishes for prosperity for Tunisia and the Islamic nation. During his visit, President Saïed highlighted the rehabilitation work on the Aghlabid basins, noting that several projects were completed in record time after long periods of stagnation, uncovering numerous archaeological remains. He underscored Kairouan's exceptional historical heritage, calling its history a "unique reference in the world," and praised the rapid restoration of the city's ramparts with the military engineering's contribution. The President stated that Tunisia shines globally despite those who have failed in their duty or ignore its value, asserting the country's strength and invincibility. He stressed the importance of preserving Kairouan's grandeur and architectural identity, noting its historical significance documented in various languages. President Saïed expressed regret over unplanned urban expansion in several regions, denouncing public domain infringements and disorder in some neighborhoods. He called for future development projects to respect "harmony and coherence" to preserve the historical and cultural character of Tunisian cities. He affirmed the state's commitment to mobilizing necessary funding and removing administrative obstacles for ongoing projects. President Saïed emphasized that anyone holding state responsibility must act with the same sense of duty a
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Chiraz Jaziri, a secondary school teacher, was sentenced to a ten-month suspended prison term by the Tunis Court of First Instance on June 17, 2026. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Ministry of Education after Jaziri posted a video on social media alleging a leak of the philosophy exam for the baccalaureate. Her publication caused controversy and confusion among students and parents. Investigations by security and judicial authorities found no actual leak, contradicting her claims. Consequently, Jaziri was charged with disseminating false information that could disrupt public order and undermine the credibility of national exams. In her Facebook video, she had claimed a philosophy exam leak and attempts at fraud via online groups, supporting her accusations with screenshots. Jaziri, who had previously been questioned by the police, maintained that she was acting to defend exam integrity and denounce cheating practices, while rejecting any political instrumentalization of the matter and calling on authorities to intervene.
Must ReadThe UN humanitarian operations chief, Tom Fletcher, stated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, that the population of the Gaza Strip deserves to regain its "dignity" beyond mere survival, criticizing ongoing Israeli impediments to aid distribution. While acknowledging some improvements since the ceasefire on October 10, including an average of one hundred aid trucks entering daily and the resumption of some health services, Fletcher emphasized that these "fragile improvements represent the bare minimum" of what Palestinians need and what international law demands. He stressed that the goal should not be a world where children only survive bombings and have enough calories, but still face hunger, rat bites, homelessness, and lack of schooling. Fletcher, a British national, insisted that silencing weapons is not enough; dignity must be restored, noting that over a third of the population goes to bed hungry every night. He highlighted that Palestinians are deprived of basic necessities like security, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and education, which are expected by families worldwide. He specifically called for the opening of all crossing points into the Gaza Strip and the "immediate lifting of Israeli restrictions" on essential goods. Bushra Khalidi, a humanitarian official from Oxfam, also addressed the Security Council, urging member states to act "urgently, courageously, humanely." She contrasted global football gatherings with Palestinians' basic desire to live, move, return,
Must ReadProfessor Slim Laghmani, a university professor of public international law, was elected judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ITLOS for a nine-year term 2026-2035. He was elected in the first round during elections held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, during the 36th meeting of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed this election, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the ministry's creation, seeing it as a mark of confidence from the international community towards Tunisia and a recognition of the country's scientific, legal, and academic expertise. The ministry highlighted that this appointment rewards Laghmani's career, as he is considered one of the most recognized specialists in public international law and the law of the sea at regional and international levels. This election is the result of a diplomatic campaign that began with the support of the African Union for the Tunisian candidacy, followed by bilateral consultations led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs with his counterparts. Tunisian permanent missions to the United Nations in New York, the African Union in Addis Ababa, and the United Nations Office in Geneva, as well as Tunisian diplomatic representations abroad, were mobilized to gather broad support. The ministry believes this election will strengthen the representation of Africa and the Arab world within ITLOS, one of the main internat