Tunisia Roundup: Foreign reserve surge, migrants return, African cup
Al Jazeera journalist's arrest sparks outrage
The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) has strongly denounced the arrest of Al Jazeera journalist Samir Sassi during a raid at his home by the national research unit on terrorist crimes. The SNJT condemned the "abusive detention" lasting over 12 hours, raising concerns about the infringement of his right to defence, Tunisie14 reported. The SNJT asserts in a statement that the journalist's arrest violates Law No. 2016-5, dated February 16, 2016, amending specific provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The union claims that a National Guard unit searched the journalist's residence, seizing his computer, phone, and the mobile phones of all family members. Subsequently, he was taken to an undisclosed location, with his place of detention only becoming known on January 4. Furthermore, the SNJT noted that the unit informed Sassi’s lawyer that they had received orders to prevent the presence of legal representation for 48 hours.
Foreign reserves surge
Tunisia's foreign currency assets have increased by over 3.5 billion dinars ($1.13 billion) in the past year, reaching more than 26.6 billion dinars ($8.5 billion). This surge, equivalent to 121 days of imports, was attributed to the significant rise in tourist revenues and labour income, the African Manager reported. Tourism revenues grew by 28%, while labour incomes increased by 2%. In contrast, the cumulative foreign debt services witnessed a surge of 31.7%, reaching 11.7 billion dinars ($3.77 billion). This notable increase is in comparison to the figure of 8.9 billion dinars ($2.87 billion) recorded at the end of December 2022.
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Voluntary return of migrants
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of 168 migrants who were stranded in Tunisia to their home country, Burkina Faso. The IOM says this is the most significant voluntary return in a single day since the inception of their operations in the country in 2001, La Presse reports. "We have made sure to assist beneficiaries at all stages of their return and reintegration process," the IOM Return Advisor is quoted. Before their departure, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) assisted migrants, predominantly adult men stranded in the localities of Al-Amra and Jebeniana in Sfax, southern Tunisia, in obtaining information on the options for returning to their country of origin, offering advice, handling registration and administrative services, ensuring safe accommodation, conducting medical assessments, and providing transport assistance.
Alcohol poisoning
Two people have been reported dead, while 35 others are in critical condition in Sidi Makhlouf, Médenine, due to the consumption of artisanal alcohol. Victims were admitted to various hospitals, with some in critical condition, La Presse reports. A crisis cell has been established for coordination, and hospitals in the region are on alert. A source at Sidi Makhlouf Hospital reported that new cases continue to arrive, including patients in critical condition, exhibiting symptoms such as severe stomach and throat pain, hypoglycemia, hypotension, and sight complications. The majority of those affected are reported to be between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.
Tunisia meets Mauritania
The Tunisian national football team faces Mauritania in its first friendly and preparation match for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. The match is crucial for the team to rehabilitate itself and reassure supporters ahead of the African Cup. The kick-off has been rescheduled to 19:30, Le Temps has reported. A possible line-up includes Béchir Ben Saïd, Wajdi Kechrida, Ali Abdi, Yassine Meriah, Mantasser Talbi, Ali Maâloul, Aïssa Laidouni, Ellyès Skhiri, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Naïm Sliti), Youssef Msakni, and Heythem Jouini.
