Tunisia faces protests, political crackdowns, and deadly floods as President Saied tightens grip and unrest grows in the Maghreb.
The trial in Crotone examines the sinking of the Summer Love boat in 2023, which resulted in at least 35 deaths, including children. Prosecutors accuse authorities of neglect and failing to act on rescue alerts, amid broader concerns over European migration policies and systemic failures.
Recent storms across Tunisia, Spain, and Portugal have caused fatalities, widespread damage, and disruptions. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and landslides have impacted communities, with authorities warning of ongoing risks due to climate change and urbanization. The storms highlight increasing extreme weather events in the region.
Tunisian police detained lawmaker Ahmed Saidani, a vocal critic of President Kais Saied, as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures. Saidani recently mocked the president on Facebook, highlighting ongoing political repression since Saied's consolidation of power in 2021. The arrest underscores Tunisia's deteriorating political climate.
At least 22 migrants have died after their boat capsized off Libya, with bodies thrown into the sea. Survivors report overcrowding and rough weather. Rescue efforts continue, highlighting ongoing dangers for migrants crossing from North Africa to Europe.
The US embassy in Namibia emphasizes strict adherence to visa rules, warning travelers about overstays and document fraud. Meanwhile, the UK issues broad travel warnings for multiple countries, citing safety and legal concerns. Both stories highlight increased scrutiny on international travel and visa compliance as global mobility rises.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a Kuwaiti-American journalist detained in Kuwait since March 3, 2026, has been acquitted of charges including spreading false information and harming national security. He has safely left Kuwait after 52 days in detention. His arrest highlighted increased media restrictions in Gulf states during the US-Israel war on Iran, with rights groups condemning the charges as vague and used to silence independent journalism.
Tunisia has continued to restrict civil society organizations and arrest critics since President Kais Saied's power consolidation. Recent measures include suspending NGOs and detaining journalists, reflecting a broader crackdown on freedoms and opposition since 2021. These actions threaten Tunisia's democratic progress.