Arab League urges Tunisia to solve crisis after 'coup', calls for calm

The Arab League on Monday urged Tunisia to solve its political crisis and restore stability in the country after President Kais Saied’s decision a day earlier to dissolve parliament and dismiss the prime minister.

"The League hopes that Tunisia will overcome the current turbulent phase and restore stability and calm, and work effectively to respond to the aspirations and requirements of the people," a statement read, without supporting nor condemning the president’s decision.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit received a phone call from Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi and discussed the latest developments in the North African nation, according to the statement.

Saied's decision comes after a prolonged period of political deadlock between him, Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, and the parliament.

Tunisia is in the grips of a coronavirus crisis with one of the highest per-capita death rates in the world from the disease, worsening its already struggling economy.

The decision to suspend parliament and sack Mechichi has drawn criticism from local parties and some nations which have described it as a coup.