Tunisia has restarted talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new rescue program, the country’s central bank said on 6 November. Negotiations over a $4bn package had been ongoing with the previous government until President Kais Saied’s power grab in August put these on hold.

Tunisia is desperate for an injection of cash after the Covid-19 pandemic worsened an already difficult fiscal position (MEES, 29 October). A deal with the IMF is crucial to the country’s ability to meet its financing obligations. It would also unlock other sources of funding from multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and EU. (CONTINUED - 142 WORDS)