Tunisia Roundup: Rapper vying for presidency jailed, job creation, SIM card registration
Funding for job creation
The African Development Bank has approved $102 million in funding for Tunisia to support business competitiveness and job creation. The initiative aims to create over 118,000 jobs and improve living conditions in the face of economic challenges and high unemployment rates, particularly among young people and university graduates, the Middle East Monitor reports.
Tunisian rapper jailed
Tunisian rapper, Karim Gharbi, also known as K2Rhym has been sentenced to 4 years in jail for buying voter signatures. He was fined and deprived of the right to vote. According to News Central, his colleagues and employees also received prison sentences. K2Rhym, known for charity work, was denied a form to run for president. Critics say the current president has seized extensive powers and made it difficult for opposition candidates to compete. Only two candidates will run against the president in the upcoming elections on October 6.
Honey festival
Tunisia's honey festival celebrates beekeepers facing tough times due to climate change, pollution, and lack of resources. The festival, in its 34th edition, is a marketing opportunity for beekeepers to showcase their products and celebrate their heritage. The event also highlights the vital role of bees in pollination and the benefits for farmers, Africanews reports.
SIM card registration
Tunisia's ICT ministry has ordered telecom operators to deactivate unidentified or incomplete SIM cards and update their registers with correct and complete identification. The service will only be reactivated with a valid ID. According to Telecompaper, this is to ensure that subscribers are properly identified and verified with an official identity document.
Popular musician dies
Tunisian singer Yasser Jradi, known for his revolutionary music, passed away at 54 after battling health issues, according to The New Arab. His blend of traditional Tunisian sounds with contemporary influences, and his commitment to social causes made him a beloved figure. His influence extended beyond his music, with songs like "Enti Essout" and "Ghneya Lik" becoming anthems for Tunisians. Jradi took a road trip around Tunisia with his guitar and bicycle, performing for hundreds of people in marginalised villages. His death has left a void in Tunisia, with many remembering him as a guiding compass amidst chaos and loss.
