AGP Executive Report

Tunisia Football: The Tunisian Football Federation urged supporters heading to the Tunisia–Sweden World Cup match in Monterrey to follow security rules: gates open at 5:00 p.m., arrive early, no umbrellas inside, no flares or pyrotechnics, no bottles, and no political banners—violations can bring penalties under Mexican law and sanctions for the federation. World Cup Politics & Visas: Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub said the US and Canada refused his entry visas, forcing him to attend the opening ceremony in Mexico instead and plan to watch Tunisia’s game before returning. EU Migration: The EU Migration Pact came into force on June 12, making implementation mandatory across member states, while critics argue it won’t stop illegal migration and will keep fueling political fights. Tunisia & Trade: Tunisia’s trade community met to discuss AfCFTA implementation, calling for better infrastructure, harmonized rules, improved business climate, and updated foreign-exchange regulations to help Tunisian firms benefit from wider African markets. World Cup Spotlight: Brazil face Morocco in Group C, with the match framed as a major early test for both sides.

Migration & Asylum: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his Canary Islands visit by warning smugglers they will face God’s wrath for exploiting migrants, urging communities to integrate arrivals and denounce “shipwreck” abandonment. EU Migration Policy: The EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact entered into force, with officials saying it shifts from political agreement to implementation and points to reported drops in arrivals. Tunisia Economy: Tunisia’s inflation outlook remains a concern as the Central Bank stays cautious, while remittances reportedly reached nearly $1.3bn by end-May 2026. Tunisia Governance & Rights: A Tunisian court sentenced prominent journalist Boukrim in absentia to four years, underscoring ongoing pressure on media. World Cup, With Tunisia Links: Tunisia is set to play Netherlands in Kansas City, as the 48-team tournament kicks off across North America; meanwhile, FIFA confirmed Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a Canadian visa, sidelining him from Ghana’s opener.

Tunisia-AfCFTA Cooperation: Tunisia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene in Tunis to review progress on the AfCFTA and discuss future Tunisia-AfCFTA cooperation, with Nafti stressing Tunisia’s early signing and ratification of the deal and its readiness to support Africa’s integration goals under Agenda 2063. World Cup in Tunisia’s Orbit: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off across the U.S., Canada and Mexico in a record 48-team format, with Tunisia listed among Group F teams; coverage also highlights how the tournament is being watched and followed globally, including Tunisia-linked interest as fans track fixtures and viewing options. Regional Business Signals: A report on African business climate rankings places Morocco at the top, pointing to reforms and infrastructure progress—an indirect benchmark for Tunisia’s own investment and regulatory push. Human Rights Spotlight: A new account on Palestinian prisoner abuse revisits how torture was used in Israeli detention, renewing attention on justice and accountability.

World Cup Kickoff in North America: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today (June 11) with Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City, followed by South Korea vs Czechia. Tunisia fans will also be watching the tournament’s expanded format (48 teams, new Round of 32) and the heavy media push across FOX/FS1 and Spanish outlets like Telemundo/Universo. Tunisia in the spotlight: Tunisia is among the record 8 Arab teams at the tournament, and it also appears in a global mental health ranking that estimates Tunisia’s depression rate at 6.35% in 2026. Visa and travel friction: The U.S. has been tightening entry rules tied to the World Cup, including a case involving a Somali referee denied entry—another reminder that politics and paperwork are shaping who can participate. Diplomacy update: Moldova’s cabinet approved talks with Tunisia to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports, aiming to ease official travel. Tech and visas: A Vienna startup, JobMetasearch, launched an AI platform to help non-EU tech professionals find visa-sponsored jobs across Europe and generate tailored resumes.

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today with Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City, launching 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico until July 19. Tunisia in Group F: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign begins in Group F, with fixtures including Sweden vs Tunisia (June 14) and Tunisia vs Japan (June 21), as the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden complete the group. Tunisia Water Watch: Tunisia’s government says it won’t face a drinking-water shortage this summer, approving an emergency summer plan of 81 projects worth 58 million dinars, including deep wells, pumping station maintenance and network works. Trade & Jobs Angle (AfCFTA): Tunisia’s Ministry of Trade says AfCFTA is key to reducing reliance on Europe, noting 66% of exports go to Europe and pushing for deeper integration into African value chains. Business & Investment: India’s Jindal Group says it wants to invest in Tunisia’s heavy industry and energy, with an exploratory mission planned after talks with Tunisia’s embassy in India. Tourism Push: Tunisia is targeting Chinese visitors more aggressively, citing visa exemptions and rising arrivals, with promotional efforts at ITB China 2026. Regional Diplomacy: UN envoy Hanna Tetteh briefed the AU Peace and Security Council on Libya’s political process, including mini-dialogue consultations and reconciliation and human rights updates. Tech Rollout: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Tunisia and other African markets, aiming to make AI help users find and understand information more easily.

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts Thursday in Mexico City with Mexico vs South Africa, the first match of a record 48-team tournament across the US, Canada and Mexico, running to the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisia is among the record Arab representation at the finals, and fans will be watching key group-stage action including Tunisia vs the Netherlands on June 25. Tunisia Governance & Water: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri chaired a small cabinet meeting focused on water system governance, aiming to secure drinking water as a constitutional right and prevent sudden cuts through better maintenance and new legislation. Human Rights Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s rights situation has worsened since President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, citing systematic repression of civil society and journalists. Press Freedom Case: Tunisian journalist Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced to four years in absentia under the cybercrime law, raising fresh concerns about freedom of expression. Libya Detentions: Tunisian activist Mehdi Bouzguenda was released from detention in Libya, but 10 other Gaza-bound Global Sumud volunteers remain on a life-threatening “dry” hunger strike.

World Cup Kickoff in North America: FIFA World Cup 2026 starts June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico, with 48 teams and 104 matches, and Tunisia fans will be watching a packed schedule that includes Tunisia’s group games in the opening stretch. Tunisia Water Security: Tunisia’s Prime Minister chaired a restricted ministerial council focused on accelerating implementation of public programmes and projects for the water system, stressing water sovereignty, drinking-water access, and keeping hydraulic infrastructure running year-round. EU Migration Push: The EU agreed on a plan for “deportation centres” in third countries, with Switzerland backing the legal basis—an issue that could shape regional migration flows and policy debates. Strait of Hormuz Economic Shock: Energy officials warned the Strait of Hormuz disruption is a “whole-economy” shock, affecting far more than oil, with knock-on impacts on trade and industry. Local Sports Culture: As the tournament begins, regional coverage highlights how fans and venues are gearing up, from viewing guides to fan festivals, underscoring the World Cup’s social pull across host cities.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian court sentenced prominent journalist Khaoula Boukrim to four years in absentia, Reuters reports, citing Decree-Law 54 cybercrime provisions; Boukrim, who fled to Paris in December, says the case targets critical journalism under President Kais Saied. World Cup Watch (Tunisia in the spotlight): With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11, Tunisia’s group is set to include Sweden, Japan and Tunisia’s own campaign opener against Sweden on June 15; meanwhile, FIFA-linked preparations are also in focus after Sweden and Japan reportedly pulled training sessions from Monterrey’s El Volcán due to pitch conditions. Border and Health Concerns: U.S. Customs and Border Protection warned of stricter checks for World Cup travelers, including a case involving a Tunisian passenger caught with canned ruminant meat, raising livestock disease concerns. Tunisia Economy & Business: PhosCo says drilling at its Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia hit thick, shallow phosphate mineralisation at the KH prospect, supporting plans to grow resources near the proposed plant site. Human Rights Briefing: Human Rights Watch issued a briefing paper on Tunisia’s human rights situation, describing worsening repression of civil society and critical voices.

Tunisia’s Public Projects Push: A small cabinet meeting at the Government Palace in Kasbah, chaired by Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, focused on speeding up the implementation of public programmes and projects, stressing tighter deadlines, better technical and feasibility checks, and faster public procurement to boost investment, growth and jobs. Tunisia Football at the World Cup: With the tournament days away, Tunisia’s World Cup outlook is being framed by a coaching shake-up after AFCON disappointment, with Sabri Lamouchi replacing Sami Trabelsi and questions over key players after a heavy 5-0 friendly loss to Belgium; Tunisia are also listed in Group F alongside Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands. Regional Connectivity: Algeria and Tunisia are planning a joint submarine cable to Italy, aiming to strengthen regional data capacity, network resilience and digital economy integration. Judicial and Rights Fallout: Severe sentences in Tunisia’s “Secret Apparatus of Ennahda Movement” case, including a life term plus 30 years for Rached Ghannouchi, have drawn sharp condemnation over fair-trial and judicial-independence concerns. World Cup Context for Tunisia: Climate research warns heat could impair performance in 97 of 104 World Cup matches, including a high risk for the June 20 match against Tunisia in Monterrey. Business & Resources: PhosCo says drilling at its Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia intersected wide phosphate zones at the KH prospect, supporting plans to grow resources. Tech & Finance Signals: Tunisia’s payment landscape is shifting, with cheques declining and bank transfers rising, while refinancing fell and the central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 7%. Marine News: Divers in the Strait of Sicily, between Italy and Tunisia, captured what’s believed to be the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean during a ghost-net cleanup mission.

World Cup build-up: The Netherlands confirmed Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a groin injury, with Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida called up as replacement. Tunisia spotlight: Tunisia will face the Oranje in Group stage in Kansas City on June 25, as the Dutch squad finalizes plans after warm-up matches in New York. Travel and access pressure: Reports say Africa’s top referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was turned away by US authorities at Miami International Airport and sent back to Istanbul, raising fresh questions about strict US entry rules ahead of kick-off. Tunisia-linked regional angle: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list, while the report also flags Tunisia among countries with severe labour-rights concerns. Environment curiosity: Divers captured what is believed to be the first underwater video of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean between Sicily and Tunisia, highlighting how little is known about the species locally.

Tunisia Football: Carthage Eagles coach Sabri Lamouchi apologized to fans after a humiliating 5-0 friendly defeat to Belgium ahead of the 2026 World Cup, calling the match a “nightmare” and saying there was “nothing positive” to take from it. World Cup Build-Up: Tunisia is set to face tough Group F rivals as the tournament kicks off June 11, with Japan aiming to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in years and the wider host-countries’ schedule and venues rolling out across the US, Canada and Mexico. Tunisia Diplomacy: Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Nafti met UN envoy Hanna Tetteh in Tunis to discuss Libya’s political process, backing UN-led efforts and praising the recent 4+4 mini-dialogue hosted in the capital. Public Health Law: Tunisia’s Ministry of Health is preparing a draft law to update tobacco-control rules to cover new tobacco and nicotine products like e-cigarettes, with a focus on protecting children and adolescents. Local Economy & Trade: Sfax is preparing for the 60th Sfax International Fair (June 9–23), expecting around 250,000 visitors and 180 exhibitors, with a refreshed pavilion layout and family-focused leisure areas.

Libya Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Nafti met UN envoy Hanna Tetteh in Tunis to back UN-led efforts and the Libya roadmap, stressing “structured dialogue” and coordination with neighbors after a 4+4 mini-dialogue hosted in Tunis. Administrative Reform: Tunisia’s Parliament committee took up a draft framework law to modernise public administration management, aiming to boost transparency, digitalisation, faster service delivery, and stronger access to information. Market Oversight: In Tunis region, economic control services recorded 3,173 violations in the first five months of 2026, targeting price hikes, missing invoices, subsidy breaches, and quality/supply issues. Tunisia–Libya Trade: Tunisia and Libya launched measures for a free trade agreement, while regional partners discussed investment and procedures. World Cup Focus: FIFA says it will collect items after each match for future museums; meanwhile, reports claim many Iranian and African journalists were denied US visas to cover the tournament.

Tunisia World Cup setback: Belgium crushed Tunisia 5-0 in their final warm-up in Brussels, with Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin scoring after Tunisia’s Ismael Gharbi was sent off for a second yellow. Coach Sabri Lamouchi called it a “nightmare” and said there was “no positive” to take into the tournament. Tunisia open Group F on June 15 vs Sweden, alongside Japan and the Netherlands. Press freedom at the tournament: The International Sports Press Association says “many” Iranian and African journalists were denied US visas to cover the 2026 World Cup, warning that single-entry visas could prevent them from returning if teams play in Canada or Mexico. Tunisia in the wider World Cup build-up: Germany beat the US 2-1 in a final warm-up, while Brazil edged Egypt 2-1; Saudi also beat Puerto Rico 3-0 after a weather delay.

Tunisia Under Pressure Ahead of World Cup: Tunisia’s final warm-up ended in a 5-0 loss to Belgium in Brussels, with Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin scoring after Ismael Gharbi was sent off for a second booking; coach Sabri Lamouchi called it a “nightmare” and said there were no positives. World Cup Group F Focus: Tunisia will open its campaign on June 15 against Sweden, then face the Netherlands and Japan in a tough Group F that also includes the Netherlands and Sweden. Press Freedom Protest in Tunis: Hundreds marched in Tunis demanding press freedom and the release of political prisoners detained under President Kais Saied’s crackdown, including Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi. Tunisia’s Financial Signals: Reports say Tunisia’s payment landscape is shifting as cheques collapse and bank transfers surge, while mobile payments and e-commerce activity continue to grow. Banking Update: Tunisia’s central bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 7%, citing inflation risks and a “prudent” monetary policy.

Tunisia’s Economy & Finance: Central Bank data show refinancing fell 18% to TND 10.9bn by June 4, while interbank transactions rose 31.7% to nearly TND 4bn; reserves held at 25.4bn dinars (103 days of imports) as tourism receipts and workers’ remittances edged up. Payments Shift: Tunisia’s tele-compensation stayed stable in value (53.4bn dinars) but the mix changed fast: bank transfers now dominate (65% by volume), while cheques plunged and direct debits rose sharply—along with higher rejection rates. Digital Connectivity: ViaTunisia’s Marseille–Bizerte subsea cable segment reached ready-for-service status, boosting resilient Europe–North Africa connectivity with EU co-financing. Public Services: A first cardiovascular surgery was performed at Abdel Rahman Mami Hospital’s Tadhamon unit, marking the start of expanding surgical services. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met Mexico’s ambassador and UNSMIL head Hanna Tetteh, reaffirming Tunisia’s support for UN-led Libya talks and the 4+4 dialogue track. Education & Integrity: Reports say baccalaureate cheating is evolving beyond paper tricks toward AI-assisted methods, with exam fraud concerns rising as Tunisia’s 162,435 candidates sit the 2026 session. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Belgium and Tunisia meet in a pre-World Cup friendly in Brussels as Tunisia targets a World Cup knockout push.

Tunisia-EU Connectivity: The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, boosting high-capacity, secure digital links between Europe and North Africa. Tunisia Economy & Finance: Tunisia’s central bank kept its key interest rate at 7%, while reports say the current account deficit narrowed to 1.5% of GDP by end-April 2026 and structural debt reduction accelerated in Q1. Judicial & Political Developments: Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to life in Tunisia’s “secret apparatus” terror case, with defense statements condemning the process. Public Services & Governance: A 4+4 committee meeting in Tunisia began with a UN envoy in attendance, as authorities discuss cooperation and implementation priorities. World Cup Focus (Tunisia angle): Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is framed around Group F rivals Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, with squad and tactical previews circulating ahead of the June 11 kickoff. Security & Online Safety: Separate coverage warns about fake online casino ads and urges users not to click social media scams.