Tunisia's strategic presence at IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, no short-term agreement expected
via Business News4 min read
Economist Aram Belhadj commented on April 13, 2026, regarding Tunisia's participation in the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington. Despite strained relations with the IMF, Tunisia's presence is strategic for maintaining international visibility, though it does not signal an immediate resumption of negotiations or a new short-term agreement. The Governor of the Central Bank, Fethi Zouhair Nouri, and the Minister of Economy, Samir Abdelhafidh, are holding meetings with international financial officials to promote Tunisian reforms. Belhadj noted that while relations with the IMF are marked by coolness and tension, the delegation's participation is essential for the country's continued presence in international forums, especially amidst global changes. However, he believes this visit, and a planned autumn visit, are unlikely to restart relations or lead to a new agreement due to structural internal and external factors. Nevertheless, the country's continued presence in these global forums sends a positive signal to partners and investors despite ongoing uncertainties. Belhadj emphasized that the opportunity for the Tunisian delegation to meet leading economic figures, learn from successful experiences, and strengthen ties with major international financial institutions is a significant benefit for the country. Tunisian participation occurs while negotiations with the IMF have been stalled since 2022, contrasting with strengthened coo
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A widely circulated Facebook post claiming the Egyptian Ministry of Health officially banned C-sections, except in extreme necessity, has been debunked as false. Investigations found no official communication from the ministry announcing such a prohibition. Instead, Egyptian health authorities have been implementing a long-standing policy to reduce medically unjustified C-sections, not to ban them. Official recommendations encourage natural childbirth when medically feasible, while maintaining C-sections for maternal or infant protection. The Egyptian Health Council's guidelines emphasize clinical evaluation by health professionals for such decisions. Egypt has a high C-section rate, prompting a national strategy to reduce unnecessary interventions through medical training and improved obstetric practices. This strategy does not include a general ban on C-sections. This rumor has been circulating on Egyptian social media since October, appearing in various forms suggesting an official decision, but no official document has confirmed it. The Egyptian authorities' policy aims to combat C-sections performed without medical indication, not to eliminate them, as C-sections remain essential in many obstetric situations.
Tunisia's Assembly of People's Representatives ARP approved two loan agreements for the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company STEG on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. These loans are intended to finance an energy sector reform program. The first bill, approving a guarantee agreement between Tunisia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IBRD for a STEG loan, passed with 72 votes in favor, 19 against, and six abstentions. The second bill, concerning another guarantee agreement with the IBRD as the implementing entity for the Clean Technology Fund, also for STEG, was adopted with 19 votes against and six abstentions. These loans aim to improve efficiency, performance, and governance in Tunisia's energy sector, strengthen electrical infrastructure, and support renewable energy development. The adoption followed several days of parliamentary tension, including a session on Friday, July 10, being suspended and postponed. Deputy Bilel El Mechri had accused the Assembly President, Brahim Bouderbala, of delaying the vote due to strong opposition, calling the agreements "colonization loans" and alleging they would benefit foreign companies and lead to STEG's privatization.
The Tunis Court of Appeal's criminal chamber specializing in terrorism cases increased the sentences of Béchir Akremi, Habib Ellouze, and Hassen Brik on Monday, July 13, 2026, in two cases related to the assassination of Chokri Belaïd. Béchir Akremi's total sentence was raised from 23 to 29 years in prison for procedural failures in handling the Belaïd case, including intentionally omitting to arrest a suspect, concealing the truth, and falsification. Habib Ellouze and Hassen Brik each saw their sentences increase from 13 to 17 years in prison. They were convicted for providing skills and expertise to individuals involved in terrorist offenses and disclosing information to aid those linked to terrorist crimes. The court also confirmed the administrative control measure for all three convicts, to be applied after their prison sentences. These decisions follow the initial judgments on March 4, 2026, by the Tunis Court of First Instance. Both the convicted individuals and Chokri Belaïd's defense committee had appealed the first-instance rulings. These cases are part of investigations following the assassination of political opponent Chokri Belaïd on February 6, 2013, focusing on the judicial handling of the matter rather than the perpetrators of the assassination itself. The Ennahdha movement had previously criticized the initial trial, citing a lack of independence and procedural irregularities, and disputed the charges against Habib Ellouze and Béchir Akremi's involvement.