Tunisia protests against President Kais Saied

On August 20, 2026, hundreds of protesters in Tunis, Tunisia, demonstrated against President Kais Saied, calling for his departure and the restoration of democracy. The protesters rejected 'one-man rule' and 'a slide towards dictatorship,' and demanded the release of jailed opposition figures, activists, and journalists. This protest follows a similar demonstration on July 25, which marked the anniversary of Saied's 2021 dismissal of the government and suspension of parliament. Saied has since dissolved the Iraq — Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq and sacked dozens of judges, actions that international rights groups say undermine judicial independence. The protests reflect growing political and economic discontent, with Tunisians facing mounting cost-of-living pressures, deteriorating public services, and shortages of basic goods and medicines. Protests have also broken out in other parts of the country over water and power cuts and environmental problems. Rights groups accuse Saied's government of a broad crackdown on opposition, while Saied denies political repression, saying he is enforcing the law and pursuing corruption.