On portraits of humans and other animals

The article explores the intersection of portraiture and animals in art, highlighting how animals in portraits can reveal more about the artist and the human subject. It discusses the National Portrait Gallery's exhibitions, focusing on Jeanette Winterson's portrait and the role of her pets in conveying deeper narratives. The piece also examines David Hockney's evolution as an artist through his sketches of Dachshunds and Leonardo da Vinci's struggle and eventual success in depicting an ermine in Cecilia Gallerani's portrait. The narrative underscores the idea that animals in art serve as proxies for human emotions and vulnerabilities.

CETTEX boosts Tunisia apparel sourcing competitiveness

CETTEX has launched new laboratories in Tunis to enhance Tunisia's textile and clothing industry, focusing on sustainable development and international standards. The facilities, supported by international partners, aim to attract major brands by offering comprehensive testing services and digital payment options. CETTEX's director general, Mohsen Massaoui, emphasizes the strategic importance of these developments for Tunisia's value chain, aiming to boost the country's appeal to international markets. The organization plans to promote its capabilities at international industry fairs, including an event in the UK.

A cycle of debt, sex work and cocaine: the women in west Africa caught in Europe’s drugs trail

In Agadez, Niger, women trapped in sex work are increasingly turning to crack cocaine to cope with their circumstances, exacerbating an addiction crisis. The city, a key transit point for migrants and drugs, is struggling with the influx of cocaine, largely driven by European demand. Local organizations, like the one led by Azizou Chehou, are overwhelmed and lack resources to support affected women. The drug trade, facilitated by weak governance and armed groups in the Sahel, is further destabilizing the region. Despite rising drug seizures, European focus remains on stopping traffickers at ports, neglecting the severe impact on transit countries.

Few candidates run in Tunisian parliamentary elections

The Independent High Authority for Elections in Tunisia extended the nomination period for parliamentary candidates by three days beyond the usual eight, closing on October 27. Out of 1,427 candidate files submitted, only 1,058 were accepted, including 936 male and 122 female candidates. Concerns were raised about seats with no candidates, particularly overseas seats in Asia and Australia. The results of the appeals will be announced on November 22, with the number of candidates being low compared to the 2,870,521 votes cast in the 2019 legislative elections.

Tunisia activists claim authorities target sub-Saharan students

Civil society and student organizations in Tunisia have raised concerns about the increase in arbitrary arrests and police violence against sub-Saharan individuals, particularly in light of food shortages exacerbating socio-economic tensions. Christian Kwongang, President of AESAT, reported around 300 arrests of sub-Saharan people, including students, in the Ariana municipality since November.

Faculty, students rally to rebuild Derna after flood disaster

Staff and students at the University of Derna in eastern Libya are working to rebuild after devastating floods in September 2023. The disaster caused significant loss of life and damage to university facilities. Despite challenges, the university has resumed operations and is actively involved in city rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Political divisions in Libya complicate reconstruction, with local authorities seeking support from regional leaders like Khalifa Haftar. The Derna Reconstruction Fund, managed by Haftar's son, is playing a crucial role in rebuilding efforts. The university community continues to cope with trauma and loss while striving to restore normalcy.

Detained, trafficked, exploited: the plight of lone child migrants stranded in Tunisia

Adam, a 14-year-old from Sierra Leone, and his younger brother are stranded in Tunisia after their father was arrested in Algeria. They are among the many unaccompanied child migrants facing arbitrary detention, trafficking, and exploitation. The UNHCR reports a significant number of unaccompanied children seeking asylum in Tunisia, many fleeing conflict in countries like Sudan and Syria. Community leaders in makeshift camps highlight the abuse and separation of families by Tunisian police. Despite the harsh conditions, many children, including Adam, still hope to reach Europe.

Tunisia turns against police culls of stray dogs

In Hammamet, Tunisia, police culling of stray dogs to control rabies has sparked controversy. Officials justify the culls as necessary to combat rabies, which causes about six human deaths annually in Tunisia. However, animal rights activists argue that the culls are ineffective and advocate for a national vaccination and sterilization program, aligning with World Health Organisation guidelines.

Private AI university plans a ‘Silicon Sahel’ tech hub

The Pristini School of AI in Tunisia is addressing the AI skills gap by offering undergraduate and masters courses to 130 students, with plans to expand faculty and student enrollment. Located in the Novation City high-tech industrial park in Sousse, the school aims to create a digitally fluent workforce and foster a circular personnel economy between education and industry. It offers part-time study options for local businesses and is developing international collaborations for double-degree programs. Companies like Neapolis and Sagemcom are partnering with Pristini for work-study placements and training. The school's initiatives are seen as a step towards transforming the area into a 'Silicon Sahel' tech hub.

As elections approach, Tunisian market shelves are still bare

Tunisia faces severe food shortages and rising prices as parliamentary elections approach. President Kais Saied is criticized for focusing on political changes rather than addressing economic issues. Supermarkets and markets across the country have empty shelves, and the disparity between rich and poor is growing. The state's low foreign currency reserves are impacting imports, exacerbating the crisis. The opposition plans to boycott the elections, deeming them illegitimate.