Protests are still ongoing in Tunis, Tunisia’s capital, due to the public’s outrage over the critical situation of the North African country.
According to Reuters, Police and protesters clashed on the night of October 16th, with riot police using tear gas to disperse people in Ettadamen and Intilka districts and protesters chanting anti-police slogans and throwing stones at them.
As protests entered their second day, Reuters stated that Tunisia managed to reach a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a rescue package amounting to 1.9 billion USD. The IMF announced that this agreement could be finalized in December.
Reuters revealed that the IMF rescue package goes beyond the 1.9 billion USD. It can also mean for Tunisia unlocking bilateral aid now that the IMF reassures country donors that the North African country will effectively implement reforms.
A senior Tunisian official told Reuters that “the agreement is an important step for Tunisia’s public finances and will allow Tunisia to borrow from some bilateral sources.” The Central Bank Governor revealed to Reuters that talks with Saudi Arabia were ongoing on bilateral financing.