By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President Kais Saied has sacked Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri less than a year after his appointment, replacing him with Sara Zaafarani, Tunisia’s third prime minister in under two years.
Maddouri’s dismissal comes amid a faltering economy and a surge in migrants using Tunisia as a gateway to Europe.
In a meeting broadcast on the presidency’s Facebook page on Friday, Saied urged Zaafarani, an engineer who has served as Minister of Equipment and Housing since 2021 to enhance government coordination and overcome obstacles to meet Tunisians’ expectations.
Last month, Saied, who has repeatedly criticised his ministers’ performance, dismissed Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri, accusing officials of failing to meet required standards.
Saied has struggled to stabilise Tunisia’s economy amid rising political tensions following a clampdown on opposition figures, businessmen, and journalists.
“Criminal gangs are active in many public facilities. It is time to put an end to them and hold every official accountable, regardless of their position and the nature of their negligence or complicity,” Saied declared during a National Security Council meeting on Friday.
Tunisians have voiced frustration over deteriorating public services, particularly in healthcare, transport, and utilities.
The North African nation’s economic growth has stagnated at just 1.4% over the past year, while public finances remain in crisis, causing shortages of essential goods like sugar, rice, and coffee.
“We will continue the liberation battle until justice prevails for all citizens … We will continue to thwart all conspiracies,” Saied vowed.
Tunisia also faces growing criticism over an escalating migrant crisis, as thousands from sub-Saharan Africa seek to reach Europe via Tunisian shores.
Thousands of migrants now live in makeshift camps in forests near towns like Amra and Jbeniana, straining local infrastructure after authorities blocked their passage across the Mediterranean.
Zaafarani is Tunisia’s second female prime minister in history.
