Tunisia grapples with water, electricity cuts prompting protests and community donations

Tunisia continues to face severe water shortages and rolling electricity cuts, especially during the summer of 2026. Residents in the central governorates of Kairouan, Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia, as well as northern regions, have staged dozens of road blockades and demonstrations, citing prolonged water outages, rising costs for truck‑delivered water, loss of livestock and economic damage. Notable protests occurred on 25 June between Nefza and Ouchtata, on 13 July at the Mellag bridge, and on 21 July in the Cap Bon area, with the Republic Day celebrations turning into anti‑government rallies.

Amid these hardships, a culture of solidarity persists. Young volunteers from a pilot school in Ariana organize food and clothing donations, accepting non‑perishable items such as pasta, couscous, oil and canned tomatoes. They emphasize discreet giving, noting that “the left hand should not know what the right hand has given.” This community aid reflects a resilient spirit of generosity despite the ongoing crises.