Tunisia overhauls key ministers ahead of upcoming election

In a surprising development, Tunisian President Kais Saied's office announced on Facebook Sunday that he had decided to replace several of his top ministers. 

"On the morning of August 25, 2024, the President of the Republic made the decision to enact a governmental change," the statement read, providing no additional details, according to various media sources.

Reports indicate that 19 ministers and three state secretaries, including those responsible for defense and foreign affairs, were among those replaced.

This sudden reshuffle comes just weeks after Saied dismissed his prime minister without offering any explanation.

Elected democratically in 2019, Saied has faced accusations of consolidating power since 2021 due to his constitutional changes. Critics argue that he has increasingly adopted authoritarian tactics as he prepares for a contentious presidential election set for October 6th.

Human rights organizations have accused Saied of manipulating the election process by imprisoning or disqualifying his potential rivals.

Saied, however, asserts that his actions are in pursuit of Tunisia's self-determination, with the aim of creating a "new republic," according to a report from Voice of America.