
Fethi Zouhaier Nouri, Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia BCT, has called for rapid stabilization mechanisms to support vulnerable economies, including Tunisia, during the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund IMF and the World Bank Group in Washington. Nouri highlighted that the global economy is in a state of "permanent and interconnected crises," with uncertainty as the new norm. He noted that despite a shared international diagnosis, the effects of these crises are deeply unequal, disproportionately impacting vulnerable economies through inflationary pressures, strain on foreign exchange reserves, and currency depreciation. Tunisia, having experienced multiple crises, has shown resilience but faces persistent structural fragilities, including high energy price sensitivity and constrained budgetary margins. The IMF's latest analyses confirm Tunisia's vulnerability, with projected limited growth of around 2.1% in 2026 and inflation exceeding 6%. Nouri advocated for a coordinated and more responsive international approach, urging the IMF to enhance its crisis anticipation, prevention, and contagion limitation capabilities. He also emphasized the need for a more equitable international framework, allowing vulnerable economies the necessary time and space to absorb shocks and pursue structural reforms. Tunisia's participation in these meetings aims to secure financing and maintain dialogue with international partners, especially as discussions with the IMF for
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Must ReadIran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Friday, April 17, 2026, that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open to commercial navigation for the duration of the ongoing ceasefire. This confirmation, relayed by Tasnim News Agency, specifies that shipping will follow coordinated routes previously announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The announcement comes amidst regional tensions, as the Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for hydrocarbon trade. Tehran's decision aims to reassure markets and maritime transport actors following recent concerns about potential disruptions. This development follows a ten-day truce agreed upon by Israeli and Lebanese officials, which began on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 9 PM GMT, as stated by US President Donald Trump. The Lebanese movement Hezbollah has indicated it will adhere to the truce if all hostile actions against it cease. However, the situation remains fragile, with the Israeli army reporting responses to rocket fire attributed to Hezbollah from Lebanon. President Trump also announced a diplomatic initiative, inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for what he described as the first significant discussions between Israel and Lebanon since 1983. He expressed on Truth Social that both countries desire peace, hinting at a diplomatic opening. International agencies reported a preliminary agreement for direct

Saudi authorities have introduced reinforced sanctions for Hajj 2026 to ensure compliance with access rules for holy sites. The Ministry of Interior announced these measures on April 14, 2026, targeting individuals without official pilgrimage permits or those attempting to access Mecca and sacred sites with visit visas between April 18 and May 31. Penalties include fines up to 20,000 Saudi riyals for lacking a permit. More severe financial sanctions, potentially reaching 100,000 riyals, will be imposed on those who facilitate unauthorized Hajj attempts, including individuals who requested visit visas for such purposes, or those involved in transporting, accommodating, or assisting unauthorized pilgrims. Fines will be cumulative based on the number of individuals involved. Additionally, undocumented pilgrims, whether residents or irregular visitors, will face deportation and a ten-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia. The Hajj 2026 season is scheduled to run from May 18 to May 30.
Must ReadThe Tunisian General Labor Union UGTT on Thursday, April 16, 2026, called for urgent salary negotiations across public and private sectors, denouncing the persistent lack of social dialogue and the continuous decline in purchasing power. During a national administrative meeting, the union rejected the blockage of social dialogue at central, sectoral, and regional levels, stating that this situation "aggravates the crisis instead of resolving it" and undermines any possibility of consensus on economic and social reforms. The UGTT emphasized the need to reactivate consultation mechanisms effectively and regularly, viewing them as the most efficient tool to overcome current difficulties and establish a peaceful social climate based on negotiation. The union's demands include salary increases in the public service, public sector, and private sector, as well as the revaluation of retirement pensions and the minimum wage for both industrial and agricultural workers. The UGTT specifically highlighted the private sector, urging the payment of 2025 increases and the implementation of agreed-upon accords to maintain the credibility of collective negotiations. The union also condemned an "unprecedented price hike" that has become uncontrollable, and its direct impact on employees' purchasing power. It pointed to the absence of effective regulation and control policies, along with the deterioration of public services in several essential sectors. For the UGTT, the current situation refle
Must ReadRecent heavy rains have significantly altered the water landscape in northwestern Tunisia, with dams, including Beni M'tir, reaching full capacity. The Beni M'tir dam, which holds nearly 60 million cubic meters, has reached its maximum level. This situation led to the activation of sirens, which, while causing concern on social media, are part of a controlled hydraulic discharge procedure. Former Secretary of State for Agriculture Abdallah Rabhi explained on Express FM on Friday, April 17, 2026, that these sirens are a safety measure to warn residents of the controlled release of water, not a sign of imminent disaster. Excess water from Beni M'tir is being redirected to the Bouhertma dam via the interconnected hydraulic network of the Medjerda wadi. This system aims to balance water levels, optimize resources, and prevent uncontrolled overflows. BN Check confirmed that the discharge rate is approximately 50 cubic meters per second, with the goal of gradually lowering the dam's level to a more stable 57 million cubic meters, allowing for absorption of future rainfall. All dams in the Jendouba governorate are currently at 100% capacity. The Bouhertma dam serves as a crucial buffer, absorbing excess water and rebalancing the Medjerda basin. This interconnected hydraulic strategy is vital for preventing localized overflows and redistributing water to areas in need, especially with increasingly intense weather patterns. Continuous monitoring by hydraulic sector actors and civil pr