AGP Executive Report

Libya Diplomacy: Egypt’s El Sisi met Tunisia’s and Algeria’s foreign ministers in Cairo, urging the trio to keep the trilateral mechanism on Libya moving toward a comprehensive political settlement under UN auspices. CAF Football Pressure: Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso faces mounting scrutiny as Sundowns defend a 1-0 lead against FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League final return leg. Basketball Finals: Ahly Benghazi kick off their BAL6 finals campaign against Tunisia’s Club Africain in Kigali, aiming to seize an early advantage. Tunisia Economy & Travel: INS puts unemployment at 15% in Q1 2026, while Monoprix reported a 2025 profit surge and Belavia resumes charter flights to Enfidha after a five-year pause. Tech & Trade: Tunisia has rolled out AI in customs risk management to flag fraud faster and speed cargo clearance. Sports World Cup Buzz: FIFA World Cup squads and injury updates keep rolling in as the June 11 kickoff nears.

World Cup crunch: With the 2026 tournament starting June 11, squads are tightening and injuries are reshuffling plans—Brazil’s Estêvão is out with a torn hamstring, while Germany’s Gnabry is ruled out with an adductor injury, opening chances for others. Tunisia football & sport: England’s World Cup squad has been announced with major names left out, while Tunisia’s place in Group F keeps the spotlight on who’s fit and ready. Tunisia governance & law: Parliament is set to hear input on a draft revision to Law 52 on narcotics, as Tunisia weighs a more medical and social approach to addiction. Trade & tech: Tunisia has rolled out an AI module inside its customs risk system to flag high-risk shipments, cut manual checks, and speed cargo clearance. Regional diplomacy: Egypt and Tunisia’s foreign ministers met in Cairo to coordinate on Libya, Palestine, Sudan, and wider Middle East escalation. Culture: Tunisia’s creative scene stays in focus, from contemporary art in Tunis to international film festival lineups across the Mediterranean.

World Cup Countdown: England is set to name its 2026 squad today, with other teams already releasing rosters as the 48-nation tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico nears. Parliament & Health Policy: Tunisia’s General Legislation Committee meets Friday to hear the Tunisian Association of Addiction Medicine on draft amendments to Law 52 on narcotics, focusing on a more medical and support-based approach. Defense Posture: The Ministry of National Defense reiterates the army’s neutrality and republican commitment, pushing back against calls to politicize the military. Climate Funding: Tunisia says it needs $29bn for 2026-2035 to strengthen climate adaptation, with water and agriculture taking the biggest shares. Business & Exports: CIBA Hospitality launches Tunisian olive oil brand Terra Delyssa in Nigeria, aiming to expand access to premium cooking oil. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia urge Libya to hold simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections under UN auspices.

Climate Adaptation Funding: Tunisia says it needs $29bn (2026-2035) to protect the economy and people from climate shocks, with the biggest gaps in water ($10.7bn) and agriculture/food ($8bn), warning GDP could shrink by 3.4% by 2030 if risks aren’t tackled fast. Education & Jobs: Béja opened the first Second Chance School branch, aiming to bring back 12-18-year-olds who left school early, with capacity for 500 beneficiaries a year. Youth Entrepreneurship: Sfax hosted trainee entrepreneurs’ regional semi-finals, with 95 project pitches and 20 ideas moving to the next stage. Defense Message: The Ministry of National Defense reiterated the army’s neutrality and republican commitment, pushing back on attempts to pull it into politics. World Cup Buzz: Tunisia-Japan ties got a parliamentary boost, while FIFA squad announcements and fan activity keep the tournament in the spotlight.

Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi is set to face UAE fighter Mohammad “The UAE Warrior” Yahya in PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia in Dubai this weekend, with the quarterfinal billed as a clash of two Emirates. Security Update: Nigeria’s air force says it has carried out precision strikes on terrorist hideouts and logistics hubs in the north-east, disrupting planned attacks. Tunisia Watch: President Kaïs Saïed made an unannounced visit to Nabeul, ordering urgent repairs to a middle school and criticizing unfinished projects and public-service shortcomings. Hajj Support: Fidaa Foundation backed 21 pilgrims from martyrs’ families for Hajj, with selection starting in October 2025. Health Note: A geriatrics segment highlights early screening from age 40—especially blood pressure, diabetes risk, and smoking-related lung disease. Football Build-up: World Cup coverage keeps rolling, including Tunisia’s Tunisia vs Japan ticket guide and the wider tournament schedule.

COVID Response Strain: Libya’s WFP-run coronavirus hotline in Tripoli is being overwhelmed by thousands of calls, with staff operating under curfews and remote work as the system struggles to keep up. World Cup Build-Up: Netherlands fans are set to flood downtown Kansas City for the Orange Fanwalk on June 25, with the procession ending as Tunisia takes the pitch later that day. CAF Champions League Pressure: Mamelodi Sundowns head to Rabat for the second leg against AS FAR with a 1-0 advantage, and former defender Wayne Arendse says Cardoso should stick to the team’s usual flair and quick interplay to win over hostile stands. Tunisia Sports Reality Check: Tunisia’s U-17 campaign is over after a 1-0 loss to Ethiopia, leaving them eliminated from the AFCON race. Eid al-Adha Guidance: Tunisia’s religious authorities reiterate oudhiya rules—animal type, age and health—plus limits on how families can share a sacrifice.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Interpol’s Operation Ramz wrapped up a five-month MENA sweep with 583 suspected cybercriminals identified, hundreds of compromised devices flagged, and nearly 4,000 victims notified, with Tunisia among the participating countries. World Cup Education: In Kansas City, a first-grade teacher built a two-week World Cup culture curriculum for students, spotlighting teams including Tunisia. Luxury Retail: Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaia’s brand opened its first Bangkok boutique, expanding its Southeast Asia footprint. Youth AI in Baku: Winners of the International Youth AI Competition were announced at WUF13 in Baku, with Tunisia among the countries represented. AFCON U-17 Shock: Tunisia’s U-17 team was eliminated after losing to Ethiopia, while Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals. Eid al-Adha Guidance: Sheikh Abdelhafidh Kadri reiterated Tunisia’s oudhiya rules on animal type, age, and sharing limits.

World Cup in the spotlight: Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is set to host six pool games plus a round of 32 and a quarterfinal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Tunisia scheduled to play the Netherlands on June 16’s pool-play slate. AFCON qualifiers draw: The CAF draw in Cairo set Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, while Tunisia’s path in the 2027 qualifiers includes Uganda and Botswana in Group H. Tourism pressure: Middle East conflict fears are reshaping travel plans—Europeans are shifting toward closer destinations, and Tunisia’s Djerba is seeing slower bookings as airlines and airfares tighten. FIFA ticket jitters: Resale prices for U.S. World Cup matches have reportedly fallen 23% over the past month, though “get-in” prices remain high. Local business news: Tunisia-based insurtech EYST has secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand its instant-claims platform.

World Cup Buzz: Tunisia’s group-stage path is now clearer as squads keep getting locked in for the 2026 tournament, with Tunisia set to face the Netherlands in pool play at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on June 16. CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns head into the Rabat return leg with a 1-0 lead over AS FAR, but defender Keanu Cupido says they “made it difficult for ourselves” by not scoring more. Migration & Returns: Tunisia’s voluntary return programme has reached 22,377 beneficiaries since 2022, with IOM preparing to help return about 400 more migrants soon. Climate Watch: Tunisia has unveiled “NDC 3.0,” a $55bn plan focused on water and agriculture to cut emissions and protect against climate shocks. Regional Context: Tunisia also remains in the spotlight as global governance and conflict risks rise, with war now topping business risk lists worldwide.

World Cup Rollout: FIFA’s 2026 tournament is now in full sprint mode, with teams racing to submit final 26-man squads by June 1 and the full 48-team format locked in across the U.S., Canada and Mexico (June 11–July 19). Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s World Cup path is already taking shape in the latest schedule updates, while Japan and other nations continue to confirm squads ahead of kick-off. AFCON 2027 Draw: Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Pot A for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw, alongside heavyweights including Tunisia, with the draw set for Tuesday in Cairo. Cybersecurity Push: INTERPOL says it arrested 201 people in a MENA-wide cybercrime crackdown, including Tunisia, seizing 53 servers. Eid al-Adha Timing: Dar al-Ifta confirms Eid al-Adha will be on May 27 after Dhul Hijjah moon sighting. Culture & Music: Tunisian underground electronic label Are You Alien drops vinyl-only compilation “Transmission Signals,” spotlighting local producers.

Eid al-Adha Dates Locked in Tunisia: Tunisia’s Dar al-Ifta has confirmed the Dhul Hijjah crescent for 1447 AH, making Monday, May 18 the first day of Dhul Hijjah and Wednesday, May 27 the start of Eid al-Adha (Arafah Day on May 26), aligning with other countries that have already announced the same timetable. Elections Watch in Tunis: The Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) says the provisional candidate list for the El Kabaria by-elections will be published no later than May 24, with the final list after appeals due no later than June 8. Culture & Community: Tunisia’s underground electronic label Are You Alien drops its first vinyl-only compilation, “Transmission Signals,” while a Tunis-organised organ donation awareness day (“Donor Identity Card”) is set for May 21 in Tunis.

CAF Champions League Final: Mamelodi Sundowns take a 1-0 lead into next week’s return after Aubrey Modiba’s thunderbolt free-kick beats AS FAR in the first leg, with VAR glitches delaying the second half and both sides squandering chances at Loftus Versfeld. Eid Al Adha Dates: Tunisia has confirmed Dhu Al Hijjah starts Monday, May 18, with Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27—matching Turkey, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman are still tied to moon-sighting announcements. Tunisia Protests: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in central Tunis against President Kais Saied, denouncing arrests, one-man rule and economic strain, as bar and journalists’ unions prepare further action. Space & Tech: Tunisia is moving ahead with its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation to support agriculture and environmental monitoring. Business Watch: Tunisia’s Kram Exhibition Centre will host IFSA Africa, a food industry and packaging trade fair, June 9-11.

Protests in Tunis: Hundreds of Tunisians took to central Tunis on Saturday to denounce President Kais Saied, calling for an end to one-man rule as arrests of opposition figures and journalists continue and the economic squeeze bites harder. Eid Al-Adha timing: Tunisia confirmed Saturday, May 16, as the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, making it the first country to set the date, while Turkey pegged May 18 and other states—including Saudi Arabia and the UAE—wait for moon-sighting. World Cup logistics: Tunisia’s group-stage schedule in the U.S. is set for Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where the first match is Argentina vs Algeria on June 16, with Tunisia vs the Netherlands later in pool play. Sports & health: Club Africain is among the teams heading to the Basketball Africa League playoffs in Kigali (May 22-31), while a Tunis municipal lab says nearly four new mosquito species have been detected—prompting calls to adjust control methods.

Protests & Rights Clash: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in Tunis against President Kais Saied, chanting “The people are hungry and prisons are full,” as demonstrators accuse the one-man rule of fueling arrests, press restrictions, and an economic squeeze marked by shortages and rising prices. Parliament Moves on Justice: The Assembly’s General Legislation Committee is set to hear legal experts on Monday (May 18) to revise parts of the Penal Code and update Tunisia’s drug-law framework. Migration Update: IOM reports irregular flows from Libya down 17% in Q1 2026, but notes a near-doubling of migrants arriving via Libya’s western borders with Tunisia and Algeria. World Cup Focus: Tunisia’s 26-man squad is out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Sabri Lamouchi leaving out Ferjani Sassi and Yassine Meriah as Tunisia prepare for Group F matches against Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands. Health Watch: New mosquito species have been detected in Tunisia, prompting calls for municipalities to adjust control methods.

World Cup momentum: Tunisia’s World Cup plans got a major boost as coach Sabri Lamouchi named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament, with Ellyes Skhiri as captain and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri also included—while Ferjani Sassi and Yassine Meriah were left out. Tunisia are drawn in Group F with Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands, starting against Sweden on June 15. Injury blow for rivals: Japan confirmed Kaoru Mitoma is out after a hamstring injury, with manager Hajime Moriyasu admitting the team has lost “a major presence.” CAF spotlight: Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, with the return leg still to decide the winner. Local governance: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House officially opened, part of a push to reach 34 such centres by next June. Economy snapshot: Tunisia’s unemployment rate fell to 15% in Q1 2026, down from 15.2% in the previous quarter.

World Cup Squad Shock: Japan have confirmed Kaoru Mitoma is out of the 2026 World Cup with a hamstring injury, with coach Hajime Moriyasu calling him a “major presence” as Japan prepare for Group F against the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. Tunisia’s Final Call: Tunisia also named their 26-man squad for the tournament, with Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri as captain and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri plus PSG youngster Khalil Ayari among the picks—while Ferjani Sassi and top qualifier scorer Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane were left out. Group F Focus: Tunisia’s campaign starts against Sweden, then faces Japan and the Netherlands, with the squad announcement putting the spotlight firmly on who can step up in key roles. EU Migration Crackdown: In parallel, EU interior ministers adopted tougher deportation rules, kicking off a new “deportation era” that rights groups warn could erode protections. Tunisia in the Wider Sports Loop: Qatar Airways Cargo expanded capacity to Tunis and Addis Ababa, while Tunisia’s U-17 team drew Morocco 1-1 in AFCON action.