
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.
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Must ReadA Facebook post claiming Libyan authorities closed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR headquarters, expelled Al Jazeera journalists, and ordered the Qatari ambassador to leave within 24 hours has been widely shared. However, no official sources or documents confirm these claims. While tensions exist regarding migration in Libya, and protests targeted UNHCR offices, the UN has denied accusations of involvement in a migrant resettlement project. No official announcement confirms the permanent closure of UNHCR headquarters. Similarly, there is no confirmation from Libyan authorities or Al Jazeera regarding the expulsion of its journalists. Furthermore, no evidence supports the claim that the Qatari ambassador was ordered to leave Libya within 24 hours, with no statements from the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatari Embassy, or Qatari authorities mentioning such a measure. The claims lack identifiable sources and are not corroborated by official documents or recognized media outlets, making the publication misleading.
Must ReadThe Tunisian League of Human Rights LTDH announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, that the competent chamber of the Court of First Instance of Tunis has postponed the examination of its appeal against the decision to suspend its activities until July 15. The organization stated that it contested the suspension order in accordance with legal procedures, asserting its commitment to judicial steps to defend its independence and ensure the continuity of its work within the law. The LTDH was notified of a one-month suspension of its activities on April 24, 2026, though the specific reasons for this measure were not made public at the time. Founded in 1977, the LTDH is one of the oldest human rights organizations in Tunisia, the Arab world, and Africa. It has played a significant role in documenting rights violations and assisting victims, and was part of the National Dialogue Quartet, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. The suspension occurs amid a climate of increasing legal actions against civil society organizations in Tunisia, with similar measures taken against the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women ATFD and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights FTDES in 2025. Several organizations have expressed concern over what they perceive as a tightening framework for associations, with reports of procedures targeting other structures active in human rights, public freedoms, and independent media.
Must ReadThe Indictment Chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal issued a second detention order against journalist Zied El-Heni on Tuesday, June 10, 2026. The case relates to his tenure on the Carthage municipal council, where he is accused of alleged abuse of office by a public official to gain an unjustified advantage for himself or others, and for causing harm to the administration. Four other individuals are implicated in the case, including one currently detained in connection with alleged antiquities trafficking. Initially, the investigating judge had referred El-Heni to the Indictment Chamber while he remained free. However, after reviewing the case, the Indictment Chamber decided to order his detention. The same body also decided to refer Zied El-Heni to the Criminal Chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance, where he will appear under arrest in connection with this case.