Tunisia: Protests erupt over utility shortages and civil liberties

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered in the capital near the El Menzah stadium on Saturday to protest worsening utility services and the restriction of civil liberties. Organized by the Nafas Movement, a civil struggle group established in May, the demonstrators called for improvements to the electricity and water sectors and denounced rising living costs.

Tunisia has faced periodic electricity outages across large areas for over a month. The state-owned Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company has attributed these outages to load shedding intended to manage demand exceeding production capacity. Additionally, the country has experienced frequent drinking water interruptions and shortages of bottled water despite a rainy year.

The protests also highlighted concerns regarding freedom of expression. Journalist Rehab Al-Hawat reported on pressures facing media professionals and human rights defenders. This follows the arrest of Mohamed Yousfi, editor-in-chief of the website Al-Katiba, on charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering.

These developments occur amid a prolonged political crisis following President Kais Saied’s implementation of exceptional measures since July 2021. While supporters view his actions as necessary to protect the state, critics characterize the dissolution of parliament and the issuance of presidential decrees as a consolidation of absolute rule.