Tunisian President Kais Saied replaced various ministers, including those from foreign and defense portfolios, on Sunday.
The presidency announced the reshuffle on Facebook without explanation.
The abrupt change saw 19 ministers and three state secretaries replaced, just days after Saied dismissed the former prime minister.
“This morning, August 25, 2024, the President of the Republic decided to make a governmental change,” the statement read.
The move comes as Tunisia prepares for presidential elections on October 6. Saied, 66, was elected in 2019 but orchestrated a sweeping power grab in 2021.
He now seeks a second term, calling it a “war of liberation.”
However, many of his political opponents are in jail or being prosecuted.
Human Rights Watch reported that Tunisian authorities have prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned at least eight prospective candidates for the October vote.
The country is gearing up for elections amid increased repression of dissent and free speech.
Earlier this month, opposition figure Abir Moussi was sentenced to two years in prison under a “false news” law, days after submitting her candidacy.