Tunisia faced a trifecta of crises during the summer of 2026. A severe heatwave led to repeated power and water outages, while bottled water supplies dwindled. The country's electricity and gas utility, STEG, attributed the outages to increased demand for air conditioning and weaknesses in the grid. Meanwhile, the national water utility, SONEDE, pointed to its pumping stations being without power, unable to meet soaring demand.
The government struggled to provide clear explanations for the crises. President Kais Saied suggested that the outages were the result of "planned acts of sabotage" aimed at stirring up tensions and spreading rumors. However, this narrative shifted the focus from government responsibility to malicious intent. The Ministry of Commerce reported that the demand for bottled water had quadrupled in July, leading to shortages as production and distribution were disrupted.
The media played a significant role in disseminating information during the crisis. Some outlets chose to relay official statements and press releases, while others interviewed experts on the exceptional nature of the heatwave and its links to climate change. However, this approach often sidestepped questions of government responsibility. On the issue of bottled water, many local media outlets reported that stocks were sufficient, despite footage from Al Jazeera and France 24 showing scenes of empty shelves and frantic shoppers.
Social media platforms became a crucial source of information for Tunisians, with citizens sharing videos, testimonies, and real-time alerts about the crises. These platforms highlighted the human impact of the outages, including the struggles of elderly people reliant on medical equipment and businesses losing stock. However, they also facilitated the spread of anger, accusations, and unverified rumors.
The crisis highlighted deep-seated issues with Tunisia's information ecosystem. Journalists and media experts pointed to a lack of access to official information, which they attributed to a culture of bureaucratic control and fear of reprisal. A circular from December 2021 requires government officials to coordinate with the presidential communications office before making media appearances, leading to a lengthy and often blocked process for obtaining information.
The restrictive environment has led to widespread self-censorship in the media. Journalists report that the climate of fear, fueled by the recent incarceration of colleagues, has made it difficult to work on sensitive topics. This has resulted in a shift towards safer, more historical subjects, allowing media outlets to produce content without exposing themselves to risk.
The consequences of this crisis of information are far-reaching. With the government and institutions failing to provide clear explanations, citizens are left to navigate a complex and often misleading information landscape. As one journalist noted, access to information is not a luxury but a fundamental right, essential for holding those in power accountable and ensuring that citizens can make informed decisions.
Key points
- The summer 2026 crises in Tunisia highlighted the country's vulnerabilities in terms of information, infrastructure, and governance.
- The restrictive information environment has led to widespread self-censorship in the media, making it difficult for citizens to access accurate and timely information.
- The crisis has underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability in Tunisia's institutions and government.
