Tunisia Hosts National Search and Rescue Exercise "JILIJE 2026" in Djerba

The Tunisian Directorate General of Civil Aviation is organizing a national search and rescue exercise called "JILIJE 2026" on November 10 in Djerba, a first-time event outside the capital. According to Houssem Hannachi, president of the organizing committee, this large-scale training is part of the official 2026 white operation program. The exercise aims to test the country's emergency response chain and verify the regional disaster management plan in Médenine.

The simulated emergency scenario involves a civil plane crashing into the sea, with the exercise unfolding in two phases. The first phase involves triggering emergency procedures on land, while the second phase involves deploying a national search operation, activating distress systems, and coordinating air and maritime fleets. The exercise brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministries of Transport, Defense, Interior, Health, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the National Guard, Civil Protection, Customs, and the Red Crescent.

The main objectives of the exercise are to test the responsiveness of the rescue chain, verify the regional disaster management plan, and measure compliance with international standards. The exercise will also assess existing resources, identify potential logistical gaps, and provide recommendations for optimizing Tunisia's response to air accidents. This will help improve the country's preparedness and response to emergency situations.

The "JILIJE 2026" exercise is a significant event that demonstrates Tunisia's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and visitors. By simulating a plane crash in the Mediterranean Sea, the exercise highlights the importance of having a robust emergency response system in place. The involvement of multiple stakeholders and the use of advanced technologies will help identify areas for improvement and enhance the country's overall response capabilities.

The exercise is taking place in Djerba, a popular tourist destination in southern Tunisia. The island's strategic location and accessibility make it an ideal location for the exercise, which will involve the deployment of air and maritime assets. The exercise will also provide an opportunity for the participating agencies to test their communication and coordination systems.

Houssem Hannachi, president of the organizing committee, emphasized the importance of the exercise in preparing Tunisia for emergency situations. He noted that the exercise would help identify areas for improvement and enhance the country's response capabilities. The exercise is also expected to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and response among the general public.

The "JILIJE 2026" exercise is a critical component of Tunisia's efforts to enhance its emergency response capabilities and ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. The exercise will provide valuable insights into the country's preparedness and response to emergency situations, and will help identify areas for improvement. The exercise is expected to conclude on November 10, with a review of the outcomes and recommendations for future improvements.

Key points

• The exercise aims to test the responsiveness of the rescue chain and verify the regional disaster management plan in Médenine.