Tunisian president fires prime minister shortly before presidential elections

Social Affairs Minister Kamel Maddouri has been appointed Tunisia's new prime minister, according to a statement from the presidency. President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Wednesday, just one year after he was appointed.

Saied seized full power three years ago. He fired his prime minister and suspended parliament, which was later dissolved. Under his rule, a new constitution was adopted that increased his powers and a new parliament was elected with limited powers. Saied has announced his intention to run for a second term as president.

El-Hachani, who has been prime minister for a year, issued a statement on Wednesday about government meetings, focusing on the deteriorating economic situation. Before becoming prime minister, he was director-general of human resources at the Central Bank of Tunisia. He studied at the Faculty of Law at the University of Tunis, where Saied was a professor.

Tunisia has been shaken by growing social discontent and economic tensions, stemming from a galloping inflation, high unemployment and persistent structural challenges. Saied will seek a second term in the October elections.

Source: commonspace.eu with agencies

Photo: Tunisian President Kais Saied (L) appoints Kamel Maddouri and the new prime minister. X

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Aden under curfew, as problem in Yemen's south deepens

8 January 2026

The port city of Aden, in Yemen's south, has been put under curfew, as the rift in the country between the Saudi led coalition which backs Yemen's presidential governing council, and the southern forces led by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), deepens. Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami, a member of the Yemeni Presidential Governing Council and commander of the al-Amalik brigades, has ordered a curfew in the temporary capital, Aden, "to maintain security". "A curfew has been imposed throughout Aden Governorate from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., in accordance with the instructions of Commander Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami, a member of the Presidential Management Council," the statement said. It states that only security and military personnel, as well as medical and technical teams with approved permits, will be allowed to move in the area during these hours. Yemen's presidential council, which is backed by Saudi Arabia and which already is in a struggle with the Houthi Movement in the north of the country who also occupy the capital Sanaa, two days ago issued an order for the arrest of the head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC),, Aidarous al Zubaidi. The STC have wide support among people in the South, and advocate that South Yemen restores its independence. The coalition warned of further escalation in Aden, long regarded as an STC stronghold, as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) chief accused STC leader Aidarous Al Zubaidi of “high treason” and announced the revocation of his membership in the governing body. The moves mark a sharp escalation in tensions within the anti-Houthi camp, despite National Shield Forces, rivals of the STC and former allies, having recently retaken control of Hadhramaut and Mahra from southern fighters. The STC’s takeover of the two regions last month angered Saudi Arabia and contributed to igniting the current internal conflict. (click the picture to read more)

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