A Tunisian zoo that closed after a crocodile was stoned to death has reopened, with extra guards and new signs instructing visitors not to throw things at the animals. The Belvedere Zoo in central Tunis shut its gates in March after a public outcry over the animal’s death. Images shared on social media showed the … Read more
More than a thousand people demonstrated Tuesday in the southern Tunisian city of Tataouine during a general strike to denounce marginalisation and demand development and jobs, an AFP correspondent said. The city some 500 kilometres (200 miles) south of Tunis on the edge of the desert has been the scene of several protests over the … Read more
Tunisian activists say they are frustrated by the slow progress on reforms to improve civil liberties six years after an uprising calling for more freedoms in the North African country. The 2011 revolution that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali ushered in a new era of freedom of expression and the creation of … Read more
One in five youths in several North African countries and Lebanon would like to emigrate in search of better prospects, including those with university degrees, according to a survey conducted for the European Commission. The survey of 10,000 people in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia found a deep sense of “frustration and social exclusion”, … Read more
What happened to the leaders whose power was challenged in the so-called Arab Spring that began in late 2010? Here is a look. Hosni Mubarak stepped down on February 11, 2011 after three decades in office and handed power to the army, following an 18-day revolt. Mubarak was arrested that April, and succeeded in June … Read more
The body in charge of organising elections in Tunisia on Tuesday proposed November 26 as the date for holding the first municipal polls since the country’s 2011 revolution. “It is still possible to hold the elections in 2017,” said the president of the electoral body, Chafik Sarsar, at a meeting with Prime Minister Youssef Chahed … Read more
Former Tunisian president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali has been sentenced in absentia to six years in prison for corruption in connection with concerts given by US pop diva Mariah Carey, the prosecutors’ office told AFP late Friday. Ben Ali, who is living in exile with his wife in Saudi Arabia since fleeing the north … Read more
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to press Tunisian leaders to step up efforts to help curb an influx of illegal migrants to her country during a visit on Friday. Her two-day trip, which also included a stop in Egypt, comes with Germany still reeling from several jihadist attacks, including a truck rampage by a … Read more
Tunisia’s parliament on Wednesday approved a law to fight widespread corruption that has plagued the North African country’s economy since the 2011 revolution. One hundred and forty-five lawmakers out of 217 voted to pass the 36-article law, which criminalises any retribution against whistleblowers including any disciplinary measures against civil servants. “Strong legislation like this helps … Read more
Traditional embroidery on modern dresses, men’s robes turned into women’s jackets — Tunisian designers are making their mark with outfits inspired by their country’s heritage. Drawing on a diverse range of regional styles, designers like Zeineb Chiboub are adding modern touches to the North African country’s traditional garb. Wearing a hooded coat inspired by the … Read more
A rise in “brutal tactics” by Tunisian security forces in line with nationwide emergency laws to counter terrorism are threatening reforms in Tunisia, Amnesty International said in a report Monday. Since the 2011 Tunisian revolution that sparked the Arab Spring, the North African country has been wracked by jihadist attacks that have killed more than … Read more
The Arab Spring started in Tunisia after a December 17, 2010 self-burning of a street vendor in a provincial town of Sidi Bouzid sparked mass anti-government protests. Unable to control the crowds, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was forced to flee the country on January 2011. Over the next months, Ben Ali’s downfall inspired … Read more
Gammarth (Tunisia) (AFP) – Tunisia’s UGTT labour union, which played a role in the 2011 uprising that toppled the country’s longtime dictator and its post-revolt transition, on Thursday elected a new leader. Noureddine Taboubi replaces Houcine Abbassi, who took office in 2011 just months after the ouster of strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. His … Read more
Tunisians who suffered abuse under decades of authoritarian rule are to air their grievances live on TV. Thursday night’s event, run by the country’s Truth and Dignity Commission, aims to ease tensions arising from past abuses. More than 62,000 incidents, including torture and rape, have been filed to the commission since 2013. Tunisia became a … Read more
Thousands of Moroccans have held protests in several towns and cities after a fish seller was crushed to death in a refuse lorry trying to retrieve fish confiscated by police. The death of Mouhcine Fikri in the northern town of Al-Hoceima on Friday drew widespread anger on social media. His death drew parallels to that … Read more
Tunis (AFP) – Graft in Tunisia has reached “epidemic” proportions, the head of the national anti-graft body INLC said on Tuesday, and urged the new government to eradicate the “barons of corruption”. The unity government that took office in the North African nation on Monday has made the fight against corruption a priority. Prime Minister … Read more