The Latest Breaking News from Tunis

At Least 20 Migrants Missing after a Boat Sinks off Tunisia

At least 20 African migrants were missing on Saturday after their boat sank off Tunisia as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, a judicial official said, amidst a sharp rise in migrant boats from the North African country. The coast guard rescued 17 others off the southern city…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 8, 2023

UN Urges Tunisia to End Hate Speech against Migrants

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) urged Tunisia’s authorities on Tuesday to end the “racist hate speech”, especially against African migrants from the south of the Sahara. In a statement, the Committee said it was alarmed by the remarks made by President Kais Saied in late…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 5, 2023

Water ban in drought-stricken Tunisia adds to growing crisis

Risk of unrest rises amid fourth dry year, poor grain harvest, weak economy and likely food subsidy cuts

The Guardian - UK · Apr 5, 2023

Tunisia Cuts Off Water Supply at Night amid Severe Drought

Tunisian authorities have started cutting off drinking water at night in areas of the capital and other cities, residents said, in what appears to be a bid to reduce consumption amid a severe drought. Cutting off water without prior announcement, in areas of the capital Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 28, 2023

France, Italy to Support Tunisia Control Irregular Migration

France is ready to help cover Tunisia's remaining financing needs for 2023 and 2024, said France’s ambassador to Tunisia, André Parant, announcing that a package of 250 million euros is currently awaiting disbursement to help the country bridge its budgetary gap. In an interview with the Tunisian news agency, TAP,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 27, 2023

Refugees trying to reach Italy die after boats sink off coast of Tunisia

Latest tragedy comes as authorities in north African country crack down on undocumented people

The Guardian - UK · Mar 26, 2023

At Least 34 Migrants Missing after Fifth Boat Sinks off Tunisia in Two Days

At least 34 African migrants were missing on Friday after their boat sank off Tunisia, the fifth shipwreck in two days, raising the total number of missing to 67 amid a sharp increase in boats heading towards Italy, Tunisian officials said. The Italian coast guard said on Thursday it had…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 24, 2023

African migrants stuck in Tunisia say racism persists after crackdown

Weeks after a violent crackdown on migrants in Tunisia that triggered a perilous rush to leave by smuggler boats for Italy, many African nationals are still homeless and jobless and some say they still face racist attacks. 

Reuters · Mar 24, 2023

US says Tunisia president weakened checks and balances

Tunisian President Kais Saied has caused "enormous concern" about where Tunisia is headed with moves that have weakened democratic checks and balances, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf said on Thursday.

Reuters · Mar 23, 2023

Five migrants dead, scores missing after boat capsizes off Tunisia

At least five migrants from sub-Saharan Africa drowned and another 28 are missing after their boat capsized off Tunisia. The sinking is the latest such tragedy in the Mediterranean, the world's deadliest migration route.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 23, 2023