Dec 24

Thousands marched to the Tunisian General Labor Union headquarters in protest.

Clinton pledges help for Tunisia as cradle of Arab Spring struggles with reforms (Added by prof MM)

 Tunisia: Woman allegedly raped by police faces prosecution

(Added by prof MM)

Tunisians wounded in Siliana clashes over unemployment (Added by prof MM)

World Bank approves $500 million to accelerate Tunisia’s economic recovery (Added by prof MM)

 Hizb at-Tahrir protests the NCA

The NCA continues austerity measures, including cutting its own budget

Chokri Belaid is murdered

Ministry council emergency meeting to talk about security but also vote on IMF Structural Adjustment plan

 Jebali steps down as PM after his proposal to replace the Troika with a caretaker government personally led by him is rejected by senior Ennahdha members, CPR, and others.

Standard and Poor’s downgrade Tunisia’s credit rating in response to Jebali’s resignation

 Ennahdha names former Ennahdha Interior Minister Ali Laarayedh as Prime Minister

Despite Jebali government resignation IMF continue negotiating SAP underlining that parliament debate is not necessary

 Successful negotiations between unionists and airport authorities occurred, thereby cancelling nationwide airport strikes anticipated for mid-April.

Ennahdha representatives push for an Islamic Council that reviews laws to be included in the constitution

Tunisia received $29m (£19m) from what it calls looted assets held by ex-President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. The money was recovered by the United Nations’ Stolen Asset Recovery team. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22108575

Tunisian police clashed with hundreds of hardline Islamists after the authorities banned a Salafist group from holding its annual meeting.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22587055

A Tunisian court sentenced 20 people to two-year suspended jail terms for involvement in an attack on the US embassy in Tunis in September 2012. Four people died in clashes when the embassy and a neighbouring American school were attacked. Islamist protesters had targeted the compound over an anti-Islam film made in the US.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22698080

A prominent member of the feminist group, Femen, in Tunisia went on trial in the city of Kairouan. Amina Tyler was charged with carrying an “incendiary object”. She appeared in court smiling, dressed in a white robe. Conservative groups accused her of insulting the city of Kairouan, a religious centre.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22714130

Tunisian rapper Ala Yaacoub has been sentenced to two years in prison for insulting and threatening the police. Police clashed with his supporters outside the court in the capital, Tunis, with three of them arrested. Known to his fans as “Weld El 15”, he had posted a song, The Police are Dogs, on the internet.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22896036

 Egypt: After 4 days of protest, President Morsi is ousted from government in a coup d’état, and the Egyptian Constitution is suspended.

Several leaders from the Ben Ali regime are freed from prison

Tunisia Declares Salafist Ansar al-Sharia movement a terrorist group, blaming it for the Assassination of the two secular MPs in the NCA

Tunisian Rapper Klay BBJ Is Jailed For Insulting Authorities (Added by prof MM)

Ennahda agrees to talks in order to ease political gridlock

 Suicide bombing in Sousse, yet political dialogue and tourism continued unhindered.

Fitch credit rating agency drops Tunisian long-term currency Issuer Default Rating from BB+ to BB-, citing security issues and political instability.

 PM M. Jomaa in DC (added by prof MM)

US guarantees $500 million in loans to attract more foreign investment

16- The NCA adopts a law to establish a judiciary body to that will act to determine the constitutionality of new laws.

Politicians propose lower salaries to cut government expenditure. Under  President Marzouki, the president’s salary decreases by two thirds

1 July: Government cuts fuel subsidies on Tuesday, raising petrol prices by 6.3%. Effort to trim budget deficit

7 July: Rachid Ghannouchi calls declaration of Islamic caliphate by al-Baghdadi a reckless act. He makes this announcement during Friday prayers

16 July: 14 Tunisian soldiers killed and 20 wounded after attack at military checkpoints near Algerian border in Mount Chaambi area. Number later changes to 18 wounded and 15 killed

16 July: Fitch Ratins affirms Arab Tunisian Bank’s Long-term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at ‘BB’ and ‘BB+’ respectively.

20 July: Tunisia launches crackdown on mosques and radio stations associated with conservative groups

27 July: 2 Tunisian soldiers killed and 6 injured in gunfight near border with Algeria. Sak-i-et Sidi Yousef site of fire.

1 August: ISIE extends voter registration in response to lower-than-expected voter turnout.

1 August: Tunisia threatens to close borders with Libya due to influx of Libyan refugees1 August: Tunisian authorities shut down Ras Adjir border crossing, use tear gas and warning shots against crowd of Egyptians and Libyans.

2 August: Ministry of Interior announces Algerian Khaled Chaib leading coordination between armed groups north of Tunis. Announces it has dismantled five terrorist groups in suburbs of Tunis and arrested Hishan Brabeh.

5 August: Pres Moncef Marzouki attends Obama’s Africa summit. He asks US for a dozen Blackhawk helicopters to fight terrorists who he says will try to sabotage upcoming presidential and parliamentary election. Warns that upcoming three months most dangerous in country’s history

6 August: US says will sell 12 Blackhawk helicopters to Tunisia worth $700 million

7 August: Marzouki announces there are 2 million Libyan refugees in Tunisia

12 August: ESCWA publishes report predicting correlation between Libyan chaos and negative performance by Tunisian economy

13 August: Constituent Assembly considers anti-women violence draft-law. Neila Chaabane says law reflects content of Article 46.

26 August: US pledges $60 million in military aid to fight Al Qaeda-linked groups

28 August: ISIE announces that 993 696 Tunisians registered to vote during 2014 registration period. Total number of registered voters 5 236 244. Estimates of total number of Tunisians qualified to vote 7 800 000.

9 September: Major project of Tunisia Economic City unveiled at Le Palace Hotel, Gammarth. Mustapha Ben Jaafar attends. Project will cost $50 billion.

10 September: NCA votes to approve 4 new articles to become part of draft counterterrorism law.

12 September: Hamas leader Meshaal visits Tunisia, heading a large delegation. Official reason unclear but many suspect Meshaal went to ask if Hamas leadership could remain in Tunisia after being kicked out of Qatar. Met with multiple government parties (Ennahda, Joumhouri, CPR).

Jan 14

Prominent and controversial blogger Yassine Ayari attended his retrial today, and had his three-year sentence for with defaming the military reduced to one year in prison.

Germany invests $115 million in Tunisia. About $31 million of this investment is a donation. Funds are being put towards developing Tunisian innovation, entrepreneurship, microfinance, energy efficiency, and waste management for rural areas.

Tunisia ranked the 66th most democratic country in the world by the Vienna- based Democracy Ranking Association, placing it ahead of all other Arab nations.

President Essebsi announces the two-month extension of the State of Emergency in Tunisia that began in late November. Interior minister Gharsalli claims this has been a prudent decision as authorities have prevented over a dozen terrorist attacks in the previous month.

The Ennahdha Vice President, Abdelhamid Jelassi, resigned from his position in the party’s Executive Office. Jelassi will no longer work in the Executive Office but will retain his duties as Ennahda’s Vice President. He gave no comment on this decision but there is speculation that it is protesting President Essebsi’s first new government draft that excluded Ennahda.

Tunisia’s economic freedom score was released at 57.7. This makes the country the 107th freest in the 2015 index. Tunisia has shown a 0.4 level growth from 2014’s assessment.

Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns ISIS’s execution of several hostages, and their video portrayal of these deaths in the media.

Prime Minister Essid announces his proposed unity government that has been revised from his original attempt to reform that has excluded his rival political party Ennahda. This proposal is expected to pass when its put to vote on Wednesday the 5th of February.

 Mar 13

Tunisia reopens flights with Tripoli after they had been closed because of too much fighting in Western Libya.

Brookings Institution releases a report about the impact of middle class Libyan refugees on Tunisian economy.

Attack on Bardo Museum in downtown Tunis kills 25, mostly cruise ship passengers.

Ben Ali’s brother in law Belhassen Trabelsi was denied asylum in canada bc of criminal charges against him including defrauding the government, fraud and money laundering.

Tunisians rally at the museum to show their solidarity to the victims and to protest against terrorism.

Cruise lines cancel trips to Tunisia because of security risk.

ISIS affiliated group “Soldiers of the Caliphate,” which operates in Tunisia, claims responsibility for the attack

Tunisian economy, which relied on tourism for comeback, is dealt a fresh blow after attacks.

Tunisian security forces arrest 23 more “Islamic militants” as suspects in the Bardo attacks

Tunisia announces plans to re-establish ties with Syria after ending relations in 2011 (Tunisian gov’t cites the increasing number of Tunisian jihadists returning home as reason)

Four soldiers killed and three wounded as Islamist militants attack checkpoint near Sbeitla (this, amidst heightened security in the aftermath of the Bardo attacks)

Ministry of Education and Teachers’ Union agree to a national dialogue about education and an increase in teachers’ salary, ending a large-scale strike

Human Rights Watch releases 17 page report analyzing problematic implications of the Draft Counter-terrorism Law

Essebsi concludes visit to France, wherein Tunisia and France pledge greater cooperation in political dialogue, education (Erasmus expansion) and anti-terror measures

France announces plans to convert 60 million euros of Tunisian debt into “development projects” but never did

US announces plans to triple military aid to Tunisia and to assist in training troops (US cites Bardo attacks as reasoning)

Authorities announce arrest of “terrorist” in Sidi Bouzid and seizure of weapons stockpile in the province; gov’t claims to have made more than 300 “terror-related” arrests since the Bardo attacks (AR)

Tunisia agrees to a public sector wage increase of 50 Dinar ($26) per month

Militants (ISIS) kill two Tunisian reporters kidnapped last year in Libya. he journalists working for Barqa TV had been missing since August.

May 5

-Two gay rights activists wave Rainbow flag on Tunisian beach. Showing support for potential new political party: Shams.

-Abdelmajid Ejday, Tunisian detainee who had filed a torture report weeks prior against Tunisian police officers, is found dead in his cell in suspicious conditions. Police claim he hanged himself.

Family of Abdelmajid Edjay claims that he was tortured and killed by police. Head injuries and torture wounds all over his dead body.

-Tunisian government officials announce the launch of new measures designed to stop extremist preachers spreading hate in the country’s mosques.

-U.S. delivers 52 Humvees and a patrol boat to Tunisia to boost coast security

-Tunisian forces kill four militants in clashes near Algerian border

-Essebsi meets Obama in White House

Further links: (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/19/world/africa/tunisian-president-looks-for-help-in-sustaining-progress.html?_r=0)

(http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/tunisias-president-visits-the-white-house)

-Obama gives Tunisia non-NATO ally status. Same title as Japan and Israel.

Further links: (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tunisia-obama-idUSKBN0O626M20150521)

(http://www.newsweek.com/obama-turns-tunisia-key-ally-334664)

Five Tunisian migrants die in shipwreck of migrant boat going to Italy

Further Links: (https://www.enca.com/africa/five-tunisian-migrants-die-shipwreck)

 Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Younbai, expresses his surprise at the high number of strikes still taken place in Tunisia. He insists that the government has implemented all agreements made with the union.

Germany donates 50 thermal cameras to Tunisia and promises 1 billion dollars in donations and preferential loans to the country.

18 dead, 98 injured in Tunisian train crash.

Three of the kidnapped consulate members released.

The leaked Saudi Cables implicate members of the old regime.

Tunisia closes consular operations in Libya’s capital.

Days after terrorist attacks in Tunisia, UK orchestrated counterterrorism exercises in London, involving hundreds of government officials and metropolitan police officers. 

ISIS claimed responsibility for two major terrorist attacks in Tunisia this year (Sousse in June, and Bardo Museum in March). Abu Zakariya al-Tunisi and Abu Anas al-Tunisi are noted as the perpetrators in March. Authorities believe Seifeddine Rezgui, the gunman at the Sousse attacks, trained in Libya at the same jidahi camp as Abu Zakariya al-Tunisi and Abu Anas al-Tunisi.

Armed officers deployed on Sousse beaches and around hotels as part of new security measures.

Chief spokesman for Tunisia’s interior ministry announces that all of the bullet wounds suffered by victims were caused by the same weapon

 All 38 victims of terror attack have been identified: 30 from Britain, 3 from Ireland, 2 from Germany, 1 Belgium, 1 Portugal, 1 Russia. RAF repatriates bodies of all 30 British victims

Tunisian authorities arrest eight people on suspicion of helping Rezgui in the Sousse attack. Officials are searching for two other individuals who trained with the gunman in Libya. Although Rezgui acted alone, security forces seek to punish all people involved in preparation for the attack. 

Twelve suspects were questioned; 8 remain in detention, one a woman. 

Security is heightened at beaches/resorts, with 1,400 extra police patrolling.

Tunisia declares a state of emergency thatwill be in place for a renewable period of 30 days (as per the 1978 presidential decree). PM Habib Assid told parliament: “We would not have felt obliged to decree the state of emergency if we were not convinced that our country was facing numerous terrorist plans to destabilize the country”

Authorities pledged to close nearly 80 mosques that operated beyond government control and are accused of spreading extremism

Tunisia announces plans for the army to build a wall along Libyan border. Prime Minister Essid stated that the “anti-terror” wall would stretch 115 miles from Ras Jedier on the Mediterranean coast to Dhiba. This barrier, with berms and trenches, will have surveillance centers along it. Construction of the wall began in April 2015, and is set to complete by the end of 2015

Human Rights groups warn that the state of emergency mustn’t suppress freedoms gained from the 2011 revolution. The state of emergency grants security forces immense power, including sweeping ability to bar demonstrations, public meetings, and the power to control the media. 

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/08/state-of-emergency-tunisia-fears-further-terrorist-attacks

Thousands of Britons return home from Tunisia upon warnings that another terror attack is highly likely. The Foreign Commissions Office and UK foreign secretary urged holiday makers to return home to avoid future risk. Ireland and Denmark also advised against all non-essential travel to Tunisia. Tour operators work urgently to arrange flights to bring nearly 3,000 Britons home. The FCO fears Tunisian authorities cannot adequately protect tourists from another attack. This advice from Britain is a huge blow to the Tunisia tourist industry and to Tunisia’s security abilities

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33473433

Tunisian security forces killed five jihadists in the mountains close to the central town of Gafsa. 

PM Essid and Tunisia’s ambassador to London stated that Britain plays into the hands of ISIS by issuing threat warnings and evacuating thousands of Britons.

Since July 3rd, Tunisian authorities have recovered 28 bodies off Ben Guerdane, a coastal town near the Libyan border. Tunisia’s navy rescued 356 migrants off the Ben Guerdane port on July 10th.These migrants were mainly African, but also included Syrians and Pakistanis who left Libya on a makeshift vessel to migrate to Europe

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tunisia-migrants-idUSKCN0PK26P20150710

http://news.yahoo.com/tunisia-recovers-16-migrant-bodies-med-week-181447693.html

Tunisian security forces killed three senior leaders of an insurgent group tied to Al Qaeda, Oqba Ibn Nafa. The insurgency began in western Tunisia four years ago, and has repeatedly clashed with the Army and National Guard. Oqba Ibn Nafa sought to establish an armed presence in South Tunisia. They were setting up in the South to facilitate communication and weapons supply lines between Libya and their western base. 

Tunisia’s forces killed Oqba Ibn Nafa leaders who were responsible for the Bardo Museum attack in March. Tunisia’s interior minster claimed that Tunisia has destroyed 90% of this insurgency at this point.

Hotel workers and employees of Tunisia’s tourism industry fear they will be forced to migrate to find work in Europe. After British tourists were evacuated, the beaches in Tunisia were empty and workers fear for their future in Tunisia’s economy. This could have wide-reaching implications for the migrant crisis subsuming Northern Africa and the Middle East.

Tunisian government hosted a security meeting with the Group of 7 to discuss the country’s approach to combatting terrorism. American officials from Homeland Security and the State departments attended, along with ambassadors and officials from other nations. President Essebsi said that the US is the only country who has really helped Tunisia in their war on terror. Tunisia’s government mentioned it needs help with equipment and strategy to secure and prevent against future terrorist attacks. 

Funerals are held for eight UK victims of the Sousse terror attacks. In West Bromwich, a joint funeral was held for three members of the same family; Adrian Evans, Joel Richards, and Charles Evans. 

  PM Habib Essid blames country’s current “perilous” condition – the state of emergency and growing terrorist threat – on Western powers

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/habib-essid-interview-tunisias-pm-on-why-he-believes-his-countrys-increasingly-perilous-position-is-10441660.html

British police confirm “strong” links between the terrorist attacks in March museum killings and June beach massacre

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33791293

  Jurgurtha calls for unification of development policies between Maghreb countries

http://www.babnet.net/cadredetail-109827.asp

  7 accused of March museum attacks (one of which was accused of being the cell leader at the time of arrest) are released from prison by Ministry of Justice – reason unknown (FR)

http://www.huffpostmaghreb.com/2015/08/06/tunisie-justice-bardo_n_7950124.html

 Parliament passes law to recapitalize and restructure (re-privatize) three state banks (STB, BH & BNA) costing the state over $460m     (FR)

http://nawaat.org/portail/2015/08/26/tunisie-recapitalisation-banques-publiques-realite-du-secteur-bancaire-public-perspectives-reanimation/

  Lawyers confirm alleged acts of torture against five terrorist suspects (FR)

http://www.babnet.net/cadredetail-110090.asp

Alternative link: https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/08/13/tunisia-case-tests-political-will-end-torture  (EN)

 Imam Union Council announces legal action against the Ministry of Religious affairs regarding the alleged unfair dismissal of two Imams (FR)

http://www.babnet.net/cadredetail-110148.asp

  National Women’s Day: Beji Caid Essebsi pledges to close gender wage gap & eradicate gender discrimination (FR)

http://www.babnet.net/cadredetail-110194.asp

Beji Caid Essebsi also announces the banning of the veil in primary schools (FR)

http://nawaat.org/portail/2015/08/21/interdire-le-voile-dans-les-ecoles-le-sensationnel-de-bce-elude-la-reelle-problematique

 Tunisian police break up pro-Daesh terrorist cell in northern province of Bizerte

http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/682055

  Tunisian policeman shot dead by two men on bike near beach resort of Sousse (where 38 tourists were killed in June)

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/19/tunisian-policeman-shot-dead-near-beach-resort

  Complaint against Ben Sedrine and blogger Aziz Amami resubmitted – Amami accused of threatening to burn Parliament and Ben Sedrine accused of “complicity” in this act (FR)

http://www.babnet.net/cadredetail-110543.asp

  Imam Union Council calls for protests outside Ministry for religious affairs against “abusive decisions” taken by the Minister against certain Imams   (FR)

http://www.babnet.net/cadredetail-110578.asp

Egyptian Prime Minister signed 16 agreements with Tunisia during the Egyptian-Tunisian High Committee meeting that resumed for the first time in five years

IMF Chief urges Tunisia to speed up reforms

Tunisians protest against the amnesty law which is intended to help the elite who committed crimes during the dictatorship.  http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2015/0912/Tunisians-march-against-corruption-amnesty-law

Tunisians go online to fight trash and call for cleaner environment polices. http://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2015/09/12/fed-up-tunisians-go-online-to-fight-trash-rudeness/http://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2015/09/12/fed-up-tunisians-go-online-to-fight-trash-rudeness/

Saudi-Led Military Coalition Escalates Attacks in Yemen

Russia escalates presence in Syria. By sending some of its modern tanks to a base in Syria

Tunisia start to beef up security in the country to combat terrorism and win tourists back.

http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKCN0RF1TH20150915

Tunisian teachers protest over pay rise

Tunisia opens investigation on the execution of one its national by ISIS in Libya. The victim is identified as Mohammed Khadrawi

The EU promises to increase imports of Tunisian olive oil. The EU commits to help Tunisian economy

The Unites States Congress House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East panel urges Tunisia to reform its national security services if it hopes to be recognized as a full-fledged democracy.

Reports shows that Tourism in Tunisia drops as result of the terrorist attack.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tunisia-economy-tourism-idUSKCN0RL1HN20150921

The government and UGTT signs a deal to increase wages of 800 000 public sector workers. The deal is signed between Prime Minister Habib Essid and Hussein Abassi, head of the UGTT.

http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKCN0RM1GI20150922

In Egypt, 9 Muslim Brotherhood members are killed.

Egypt President pardon and releases Al Jazeera journalist arrested for false reporting. More than 100 political prisoners are released as well.

Police broke up three ISIS recruitment groups in Tunisia.  11 citizens trying to join the terror group were arrested.

Tunisia announces a five-year migration development strategy with intent to protect migrants’ rights and using migration as a way to enhance economic development throughout the country.

Lawmaker in the Nidaa Tunis party, Ridha Charfeddine, survives an assassination attempt.

A survey finds that the Middle East and North Africa post the worlds highest unemployment rates for youths ages 15-24.

The Tunisian Quartet is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Revolution of 2011”

 His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan and Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi stress their desire to enhance cooperation in political, economic, military and security fields.

Essebsi praised Jordan’s role and efforts to preserve security and stability in the region.

Two men die in custody in Tunis under suspicious circumstances. Amma Guellali, a Tunisian researcher says “The authorities’ failure to promtly notify the next of kin heightens suspicions of foul play”.

According to the UN there have been several suspicious, torture related deaths under custody since 2013.

Dissident MPs, who believe Tunisia’s 88-year-oldPresident Beji Caid Essebsi is attempting to install a family dynasty to rule the country, moved instead to another hotel and accused the president’s son and another senior presidential adviser of encouraging the violence.

 Tunisians protest on the streets of Tunis in favor of the Palestinian uprising against Israel

Tunisian primary school teacher and supervisor suspended for failure to obey order to stop wearing niqab (full face veil).

Tunisian ex-president Moncef Marzouki targeted in failed assassination plot.

12 killed in bombing of bus carrying presidential Essebsi’s guard in Tunis. State of emergency declared throughout Tunisia and curfew announced in capital of Tunis.

New World Bank climate plan announced for Africa.

Islamic state claims they were behind the bombing of bus carrying presidential guards in Tunis.

Tunisia closes border with Libya due to its connection with the bus bombing.

Qatar hit by heavy flooding causing closures of schools, offices, and damage to roads.

United Arab Emirates hires Colombian mercenaries for fight in Yemen.

Travel industry in Tunisia and around the world in turmoil due to terrorism.

 Israeli Arabs protest against the outlaw of the Islamic Movement’s northern branch in Israel.

United Arab Emirates threaten to destabilize Tunisia due to the failure to serve the interests of Abu Dhabi.

Leaders converge on Paris for 2015 U.N. Climate Change Conference.

Dozens of Houthi of Yemen killed during assault to push through the border of Saudi Arabia.

Senior member of Kirkuk provincial council gunned down in Northern Iraq.

Secretary general of Tunisian government Ahmed Zarrouk calls for disbandment of Tunisian LGBT rights group Shams.

Two jihadists arrested on suspicion of planning suicide attack in Tunis.

Tunisia bans Libyan airplanes from entering the largest airport in Tunisia: Tunis-Carthage airport. The decision is temporary.

 5 Nazareth men charged with setting up ISIS terrorist cell intended to carry out attacks in Israel.

Six students in Tunisia have been sentenced to three years in prison on charges of homosexuality. Additionally, the six students were banned from the city for five years after the completion of their sentence.

Protesters gather outside of the Constituent Assembly to call for reform of Law 52.

Musicians protest need for union membership to preform in public.

• Protest turn violent in El Djem as citizens demonstrate against the reopening of a local alcohol shop.

• President Essie announces new government after the  split within Nidaa Tounes party.

 200 Moroccans were taken into Algerian custody after attempting to enter Libya without “valid work or residence documents”

Algerian President Bouteflika replaces the Department of Intelligence and Security (DRS) — a “military spy directorate” — with a President-controlled intelligence institution

America and the Netherlands look to “Senegal Commandos” for support in fighting the international terrorism

Investigation of Cologne Assaults reveals that potential perpetrators are migrants from Algeria and Morocco

The leader of Tunisia’s main Islamic political party (Rachid Ghannouchi of Ennhada) was re-elected.

The statue of Tunisia’s first president, Habib Bourguiba, was brought back to Tunis after been removed 29 years ago following orders from its former president, Ben Ali.

Tunisian officials urge the government in the United Kingdom to relax its advice waring against all essential travel to the country, after a 90% drop in British visitors in the first part of 2016.

**This guidance was set in place after 31 British holidaymakers were killed in two terror attacks in 2015.

Morocco and Chinese group HAITE announced that it will set up an industrial and residential park in the northern city of Tangiers with a $10 billion-worth investment. Reportedly, this will host 300,000 employees and stretch 1,200 hectares.

King Mohammed VI chaired the inauguration ceremony of the Higher Council of his foundation for African Ulema.

Owners of the downtown restaurant “Morocco’s” were brought before the City Council to try to secure guarantees from their landlord for a new home. Reportedly, council members praised the small family-owned restaurant, however, declined to intervene in conflict between the two entities.

A ban on the production and use of plasitic bags in Morocco took effect. The bill was passed by parlaiment the previous October and included a ban on the import and sale of plastic bags in the country, as well.

The United Kingdom ratified a child abduction law with Morocco which applied the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. As a result, parents whose child has been taken from Morocco to the UK (and vice versa) could now apply to the Hague to have their child returned.

Army fire ‘cuts key Aleppo road’ (MENA)

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36735196

Syrian government forces have effectively cut the only road into rebel-held areas of the city of Aleppo, military sources and rebels say.

• In the wake of the month-long war with Israel in July 2006, Lebanon’s Hezbollah rebuilt itself to become one of the most powerful militant groups in the Middle East. 

 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36672803

• Egypt’s foreign minister has paid a rare visit to Israel, offering his country’s help to revive peace talks with the Palestinians, urging a two-state solution

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36760591

Nato discusses a plan to set up an intelligence Fusion Centre in Tunisia, which was hit last year by a wave of terror attacks.

http://northafricapost.com/12840-tunisia-nato-plans-set-intelligence-fusion-center.html

• Egypt: Rights group, Amnesty International, reveals that Students, political activists and protesters – some as young as 14 – have vanished without a trace in the past year.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36775035

• Turkey has said it wants to re-establish good relations with Syria – in an apparent reversal of its policy towards its war-stricken neighbour. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim insisted good ties with Syria were needed “for the fight against terrorism” and stability in the region. 
  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36781226

Environmental protests spur Morocco to halt waste imports for energy. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-environment/environmental-protests-spur-morocco-to-halt-waste-imports-for-energy-idUSKCN0ZU26R

Attack in Nice, France leaves a least 84 dead, in what French President calls an “undeniable terrorist attack. The attack was carried out by a lorry at Bastille Day celebrations

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36800730

The driver of a lorry that killed 84 people in an attack in the French city of Nice has been confirmed as Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, 31.  Ten of the dead were children. Some 202 people were injured; 52 are critical, of whom 25 are on life support.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36808020

Independent media outlets in Algeria are under increasing pressure, despite a guarantee of press freedom in the country’s newly approved constitution, journalists say.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/algerian-media-faces-hostile-environment-160713112312137.html

Morocco has sent a special envoy to lobby African leaders to rejoin the African Union 32 years after it left in a row over Western Sahara. Taib Fassi Fihri met Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi and said Morocco wants to re-join the AU without any preconditions.Morocco claims Western Sahara as part of its territory, much of which it has occupied since 1975.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36807906

• Algerian parliament passes new investment law to improve business climate

https://af.reuters.com/article/algeriaNews/idAFL8N1A30QD

• Algeria signed deals with Indonesia’s Indorama Corporation on Monday to develop a phosphate mine and build two plants to process the crop nutrient in the North African country at a total expected cost of $4.5 billion. https://www.reuters.com/article/algeria-indonesia-mining/indonesias-indorama-signs-4-5-bln-of-algerian-phosphate-deals-idUSL8N1A43TR

Algeria boosts oil output at two major fields

https://af.reuters.com/article/africaTech/idAFL8N1A44AM

• Syria: Dozens of civilians killed’ in US-led strikes near Manbij. At least 56 civilians have died in US-led coalition air strikes near the Islamic State stronghold of Manbij in north Syria, opposition monitors say.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36835671

• Syria: Rebels ‘filmed beheading boy’ in Aleppo. Videos have emerged online that appear to show Syrian rebels taunting and then beheading a boy they say is a captured Palestinian pro-government fighter.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36835678

• The bodies of 22 people have been found on a migrant dinghy in the Mediterranean, the aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has said.The 21 women and one man were found “in a pool of fuel and water” at the bottom of the boat, off the coast of Libya.They had been on the dinghy “for hours”, the aid group said.More than 200 survivors who were on the dinghy have been transferred to a boat operated by MSF. There were 50 children among them.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36849971

• Three French soldiers have died in Libya after their helicopter was shot down. The soldiers were killed while carrying out “dangerous intelligence operations”, Mr Hollande said.  Libya’s UN-backed government responded by saying that their presence was a “violation” of the nation’s sovereignty.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36843186

Moroccan parliament approves the final pension bill.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-pensions/moroccan-parliament-gives-final-approval-to-pension-reform-bill-idUSKCN1002F0 

IMF grants two-year $3.5 billion credit line to Morocco for structural reforms that would prompt more rapid and inclusive economic growth

https://www.reuters.com/article/morocco-imf/update-1-imf-grants-two-year-3-5-billion-credit-line-to-morocco-idUSL8N1A90LP

Thousands protest against Morocco’s pension reforms

http://www.africanews.com/2016/07/25/thousands-protest-against-morocco-pension-reforms/

Hundreds of Tunisians have protested against an amnesty draft law proposed by Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi.

http://www.africanews.com/2016/07/26/tunisia-protesters-reject-tunisia-s-amnesty-bill/

OPEC member Algeria says it will launch a new “economic growth model” for the next four years focussed on reforming the tax system to bring in more revenue and reduce dependence on energy exports.

https://www.reuters.com/article/algeria-economy/algeria-to-implement-new-growth-model-to-cope-with-oil-price-drop-idUSL8N1AD5I9

• Morocco arrested 52 suspected militants inspired by Islamic State and that it had foiled several attacks in the North African kingdom by seizing weapons and bomb-making materials.

http://www.businessinsider.com/morocco-arrested-isis-militants-foiled-attacks-2016-7

• Morocco bans plastic bags. https://www.ecowatch.com/morocco-bans-plastic-bags-1946455924.html

Nameless dead of the Mediterranean wash up on Libyan shore. Besides death in the sea,  migrants also face the prospect of falling into human trafficking groups. Once a victim the human trafficking gangs they can be raped, sold, forced into prostitution and more.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36902816

Egypt: Campaigners have welcomed the arrest of Egypt’s first doctor to have been convicted of carrying out female genital mutilation (FGM).

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36925432

 Tunisia’s parliament has passed a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Habib Essid, effectively dismissing the government of the US-trained economist

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36934770

King Mohammed VI announces his refusal to change his stance on Western Sahara 

http://www.africanews.com/2016/07/31/morocco-king-mohammed-vi-won-t-change-stance-on-western-sahara/

The United States has carried out air strikes on positions of so-called Islamic State (IS) in Libya, following a request by the UN-backed government there, the Pentagon says.  The strikes targeted positions in the port city of Sirte, an IS stronghold.  Libyan PM Fayez Sarraj, in a televised address, said the strikes caused “heavy losses”.  Western powers have become increasingly concerned at IS’s growing presence in Libya. The air strikes are the first such US military intervention co-ordinated with the Libyan unity government.

 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36941934

Egypt: A campaign against the tradition of grooms buying gold gifts for their brides is gaining support in Egypt after gold prices soar. Ordinarily, grooms would be expected to shell out for a gift, usually in the form of gold jewellery, depending on their financial resources, a tradition known as “shabka” in Arabic. But soaring gold prices have left betrothed young men with a dilemma.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-36942736

Tunisia’s President Beji Caid Essebsi has named Youssef Chahed as prime minister after parliament ousted Habib Essid in a vote of no-confidence because of his handling of economic reforms and security.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/tunisian-president-nominates-prime-minister-160803134622999.html

Benghazi explosion: Suicide bomb kills 18 in Libyan city. The area has been the focus of fighting between Islamist militias and troops loyal to Libya’s eastern government.  News agencies said an Islamist group, the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, said it was behind the explosion.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36957911

 Egypt: The Egyptian military says it has killed the head of the Sinai branch of so-called Islamic State (IS), along with dozens of its fighters.  It said Abu Duaa al-Ansari was killed in a series of air strikes on fighters of the Sinai Province – or Ansar Beit al-Maqdis – group. The air strikes targeted jihadist strongholds near the town of El-Arish.  Sinai Province is Egypt’s most active insurgent group and has been linked to deadly attacks in Sinai and Cairo.  The Egyptian military said: “The raids left more than 45 terrorists killed, dozens of others injured and several arms caches destroyed.”

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36978774

Teenage rape victim dies in self-immolation after her attacker threatened her, saying they would “publish pictures of the rape which they had taken with their mobile phones unless she dropped the complaint against them. The autopsy revealed the girl was pregnant.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/05/morocco-teenage-rape-victim-dies

Jordan/Syria: The UN says it has for the first time in weeks delivered aid to thousands of Syrian refugees stranded on the border with Jordan.  A group of relief agencies said they had completed delivery of a month’s worth of food and hygiene supplies.  More than 75,000 people had been without aid since June when Jordan sealed the border after a deadly attack there by so-called Islamic State. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36984759

Islamic State: Obama says group is weakening but still a threat

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36981607

Syria: rebels ‘break government siege’ of Aleppo

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37000570

• Thailand: Thai referendum: Thai’s vote for a military constitution.  Unofficial results of the referendum showed more than 61% of those who voted approved the charter.  More than 58% also approved a controversial second proposal to give the now unelected Senate to right to help choose a potentially unelected prime minister. Turnout was low at around 54%. But it was enough to give the military government, which has been losing popularity because of its erratic performance, a green light to implement its controlled return to a democratic form of governance. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-370139

• Lawyers across Pakistan are boycotting court to mourn the loss of some 70 people, many of them lawyers, killed in a bomb attack in Quetta.The attack was by a Taliban cell.

  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37021302

US-backed Libyan militias say they have seized control of the headquarters of so-called Islamic State in Sirte

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37037544

 The USA recived new intelligence about an IS leader killed in Afghanistan.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37063654

• • Syria: Residents in the northern Syrian city of Manbij have been celebrating new freedoms after being liberated from the rule of so-called Islamic State. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37066304
  • Turkey: 5,000 state employees have been sacked and 77,000 suspended in the purge since last month’s failed coup in Turkey, the prime minister says.http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37070731

 Yemen: Air strike hits a hospital run by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in northern Yemen, killing at least 11 people. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37083035

 Libyan forces advance toward the recapture of Sirte from the Islamic State.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security/libyan-forces-say-advancing-toward-recapture-of-sirte-from-islamic-state-idUSKCN10R1EU

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika makes a rare public appearance. The last time he was seen was two years ago.

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika makes a rare public appearance. The last time he was seen was two years ago.

Tunisia emerges as Islamic State’s No. 1 source for foreign fighters

Morocco Suffers Legal Setback As EU Official Declares Western Sahara ‘Not Part Of Morocco’

 Tunisia’s parliament approves a long delayed law to attract foreign investment, which fell sharply after the uprising in 2011, in a key reform demanded by international lenders

Tunisia announces that a state of emergency in force since a deadly attack on the presidential guard last November will be extended by one month

At UN Assembly, Tunisia’s President cites African 2063 Agenda as vital to continent-wide development

Morocco arrests four ISIS linked extremists .

Lamiaa Moatamid, a woman unjustly imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for reporting a rape is returned to Morocco after king Mohammed VI interceded to bring her back.

U.N. calls for support for Libya government, upholding of ban on arms and calling for more support

 Morocco signs an agreement with Boeing Co (BA.N)  to attract its suppliers to boost the kingdom’s aeronautics industry.

Morocco also adopts a bill to validate Berber as an official language of the country.

 October 2

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October 30

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18 months after Sousse beach attack, Tunisian interior minister urges British tourists to return to Tunisia saying it is no more threatened by terrorism than any major European city.

Thousands of lawyers in Tunisia protest against new taxes

• Judge acquits girls accused of homosexuality after they were put on trial for being reportedly caught kissing.
• 400 migrants force their way into the Spanish enclave, Ceuta, and battle police to gain entry into Europe.

IMF press release: growth expected to increase to 2.5% but reform on fiscal policy greatly needed

two journalists speak out against police raid on their home in search of their brother who was suspected of extremist affiliation

Ben Ali issued new 10 year corruption prison sentence

local & international humanitarian orgs issue joint statement condemning new decree that would further restrict journalism & public servants’ freedom of speech

Amnesty International: police reliance on “the brutal tactics of the past” inhibits possibility of reform

Central Bank of Tunisia takes out 850mil Euro seven year bond from Commerzbank and JP Morgan with 5.75% interest

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office extends state of travel emergency another 3 months after 2015 Sousse and Tunis terror attacks

Domestic state of emergency extended another 3 months

Tunisia begins visa exemption program for Chinese tourists

parliament approves anti-corruption law protecting whistleblowers and civil servants from disciplinary measures

Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom 2017: Tunisia 123/180 with 55.7 points out of 100 – maintains “moderately not free” ranking

Algerian police thwart IS-claimed suicide attack in Constantine

Sonatrach begins talks with Exxon Mobil, Anadarko, Eni to begin offshore drilling

Alstom and national railway SNTF have unveiled new plan for efficient high speed train connecting major Algerian cities

President Bouteflika declared in good health after cancelled meeting with Chancellor Merkel

Police investigate novelist on charges of blasphemy against Islam

government invites new foreign investment bids aimed at improving agriculture sector

government announces plan to launch tender for construction of new large scale solar energy projects in early April

EU and Algeria sign $42 million package to diversify Algeria’s economy through public renewable energy efforts

Russian Admiralty Shipyards holds ceremony to unveil new Kilo class submarine for Algerian Navy

IOM reports more refugees have died in Mediterranean over first nine weeks of 2017 than in first nine weeks of 2016; number of Libyan refugees to Italy more than doubled

Morocco to Sponsor the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism 2017”

Tunisia protests against Britain which announced that it will ban passengers from carrying some phones, laptops and tablets on flights from six countries in the Middle East including Tunisia.

Ben Ali sentensed to 6 years in prison on corruption charges

Tunisia is drafting an “economic emergency” bill that will allow the government to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and speed up large-scale projects as it seeks to boost growth and create jobs

Justice Ministry releases 14 Gaddafi regime prisoners

Sound Energy Announces New Gas Discovery in Morocco

 Libya’s UN-Backed Government Head Meets with US Officials

Fuel and gas crisis committee launches land, sea, and air operation to stem smuggling in Libya

 Algeria, EU agree to boost counterterrorism cooperation

Campaigning for May 4 parliamentary elections begins, public shows “little interest”

 Tunisia tightens restrictions on journalists. members of the Tunisian journalists union claim that 41 local and foreign journalists were assaulted or harassed by police last month to prevent them from working

Nato will launch “intelligence hub” in Tunisia

 UN reports that African migrants are being traded in slave markets while passing through Libya

Haftar gains more support during visit to UAE

UN seeks to broker new talks on Western Sahara

Morocco continues occupation of Western Sahara, in defiance of UN

Hilton has identified North Africa as a favored area for future growth. Opens office in Casablanca

Tunisia central bank to steadily weaken dinar, finance minister says

IMF says agrees to pay Tunisia’s delayed loan tranche

Morocco Unveils Plans to Eradicate Hepatitis C Virus by 2030

The Moroccan central bank’s initial stage in a programme to liberalise the dirham currency will start in the second half of the year

Trump says US has “no role” in Libya, fighting ISIS or otherwise, in press conference with Italian PM

Eni-Operated Libya Oil Field to Re-Open After Two-Year Halt

Libyan central bank vows to intervene “intensively” in defending the dinar and revive the troubled economy

Compromise is brokered between presidents of house of representatives and state council after years of fighting at meeting in Rome

 GE Power signs massive services deal with Algerian utility, Sonelgaz

Morocco breaks up Western Sahara protest ahead of UN talks

Woman dies in stampede at Ceuta-Morocco border

  Tunisia parliament debates a bill to grant amnesty to businessman accused of corruption during ben-ali era.

Tunisia raised its benchmark interest rate to the highest level in about 18 months, as the government looks to stem a decline in the dinar and implement reforms under an IMF loan program.

Tunisian president orders army to protect oil and gas fields

Tunisian vendor sets himself on fire

Algerian president selects new prime minister

Algeria agrees with continued OPEC cuts

Egypt launches air raids on Libya after Christians killed

Libyan Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia says it is dissolving

Haftar’s government severs ties with Qatar

Bodies of seven African migrants recovered from truck in Libya

 -ICC calls for the arrest of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi son of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi for crimes against Humanity.

–The National Committee for Human Rights of Libya denounces use of terms such as terrorism and extremism to settle political agendas.

 – Egypt blocks access to 48 news sites including Al-Jazeera and Huffington Post.

–Yemen: More than 900 have died in Cholera outbreak.

-Iraq: 800 refugees sickened by contaminated food provided by British charity.

–150 die in landslides in Bangladesh and Northeast India

–College student returns to the U.S. after being detained in N. Korea

–6 people die and 20 injured in apartment Fire in W. London

 – Libya asks for Italian Naval support to combat human trafficking. 

-(Cont. July 27) East Libyan government shuts down South Sudan consulate and declares diplomats persona non grata.