Chokri Biyahi

During July 2026, several regions across Tunisia experienced repeated power outages, causing widespread concern among residents, particularly because of their impact on daily life and on people who rely on medical equipment requiring electricity.

In this context, Chokri Biyahi died in Hay El Fehri, Manouba Governorate, reportedly following repeated power outages, according to his family.

According to Biyahi’s son, the area experienced a power outage on Thursday, 23 July 2026, beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. and lasting around two hours. At the time, his father was in a critical state of health, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and relied on an electrically powered oxygen machine.

Available information indicates that electricity was restored for brief periods before being cut again several times that day. According to his son, these interruptions affected Biyahi’s health. He became increasingly fatigued and later suffered a fall, after which a doctor was called to examine him and confirmed that his condition had deteriorated.

As his father’s condition worsened, Biyahi’s son returned to Tunis. On 23 July 2026, he posted a Facebook video documenting the outages and their impact on his father, who relied on an oxygen machine. Civil society representatives and local MPs from Manouba then contacted him and said they would ask STEG to intervene and restore power.

According to his account, power was restored following these interventions but was cut again shortly afterwards. The repeated outages were particularly concerning because Biyahi relied on an oxygen machine that required a continuous power supply.

At approximately 11:55 p.m. on 23 July 2026, following the repeated power outages, Chokri Biyahi died. His son reported that a doctor subsequently attended to examine the body. The family considers that the repeated power outages, given Biyahi’s reliance on an electrically powered oxygen machine, raise questions about their possible impact on his health and warrant an investigation into any potential link between the outages and the deterioration in his condition preceding his death.

The family subsequently appointed a lawyer to pursue the case and take the necessary legal steps. A complaint was filed against STEG seeking an investigation into the repeated outages and the circumstances surrounding Biyahi’s death, and the determination of any responsibility, where applicable.