The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) said that the number of protests decreased in the fourth quarter of 2023 to reach 600 protests (86.5% of them are organized protests) compared to 680 protests during the third quarter of the same year, 894 protests during the second quarter, and 1,262 protests during the first quarter of 2023. Despite the continued decline in the number of protests, the governorate of Gafsa ranks first nationally during the third and fourth quarters of last year by attracting the largest number of protests. It recorded 107 protests in October, November and December 2023, while the governorate of Tunis ranks second with 105 protests during the same months. Schools occupied the first place in the ranking of protest sites by hosting 140 demonstrations during the last quarter of 2023, followed by the media sector with 93 demonstrations, and the Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG) which experienced a slight decline compared to recent months. In its monthly report on social protests, the Forum indicated that 209 protests were recorded in various regions in Tunisia last December. Most of these protests took place in the governorate of Tunis (49), followed by the governorate of Gafsa (39) then in the governorates of Nabeul, Médenine and Tataouine, according to the same report. These protests focused on financial demands, workers' rights, and the regularization of the professional situation of substitute teachers and other employees. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse Abrehot, the largest library in Ethiopia, has joined the Silk Road International Library Alliance. The Silk Road International Library Association announced that the library joined the alliance as it has succeeded in providing quality and international standard services within a few days of its construction. According to the alliance, the library has attracted the attention of the international community as a center of knowledge, research, and creativity as well ancient books. By joining the Silk Road International Library Alliance, Abrehot has become the alliance's 43rd member and center of knowledge. Abrehot Library was officially opened in January 2022 in a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who initiated the project. Built at a cost of over 1.1 billion Birr, the largest library in Ethiopia has over 1.4 million books, 300,000 national research studies, 1200,000 international researches. Furthermore, the library is equipped with the state-of-the-art library facilities and elegant rea ding spaces and sections for nursing mothers. It also comes with a modern cafeteria, meeting halls, an amphitheater, playground, parking lot for over a hundred vehicles, and eight shops providing services related to books. Abrehot Library gives 24 hours service to more than 10,000 readers. Source: Ethiopian News Agency