Protests in Tunisia

  • Tunisian youth is protesting economic woes, social inequality, political corruption and other problems.
  • Simultaneous, often-violent demonstrations in cities around Tunisia are being staged.
  • They are demanding jobs, better government services and an end to police violence, among other changes.

WHY THE PROTESTS?

  • The precise causes are unclear, but the dire economic outlook of the North African country is at the heart of the dissatisfaction.
  • The protesters are angry over the broken promises of democratically elected President Kaïs Saied and his government.
  • The government hasn’t been able to change the economy which has been on the verge of bankruptcy.

TUNISIAN REVOLUTION

  • The protests have reminded people of Tunisian revolution which had triggered the 2011 Arab Spring revolutions.
  • The Tunisian Revolution, also called the Jasmine Revolution, was an intensive 28-day campaign of civil resistance. 
  • It included a series of street demonstrations which took place in Tunisia, and led to the ousting of longtime president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011. 
  • It eventually led to a thorough democratisation of the country and to free and democratic elections.
  • The protests were sparked by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi on 17 December 2010.

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