Tunisia, a member of the OIF, has started a chain of protest, demonstration, and unrest across northern Africa and the Middle East. Here's what's been happening:
The protests in Tunisia began on 17 December. Mohamed Bouazizi sold produce for a living, but had been doing so without a permit. When his town authorities forced him to stop, he lit himself on fire in protest. According to the BBC, Bouazizi's hometown is one of the poorest areas of Tunisia, and his fellow citizens soon followed suit and began protesting, expressing their discontent about unemployment and rising food prices.
Up until December, the West had seen Tunisia as something of a work in progress. Since France withdrew in 1956, Tunisia has established itself as a relatively stable economic power, with significant European investments coming from agriculture and tourism. But despite the economic growth and continuous efforts against Islamic extremism, Tunisia was still fraught with human and civil rights issues. Habib Bourguiba, who became president when France withdrew in 1956, remained in power until 1987. Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali took over from Bourgiba, and has since amended the constitution to allow himself to continue to run for reelection. He won each election with 99.9% majorities, drawing criticism both at home and abroad. In addition to questionable election practices and rising unemployment and food prices, the Tunisian government's widespread internet censorship, which included deleting dissident blogs and blocking websites.
The demonstrations quickly spread and quickly reached the capital. The government responded with violent attempts to put down the protests, and by January dozens of protestors had been killed, curfews were in place, and Ben Ali was frantically making promises of reform and improvement. Promises were not enough, however, and Ben Ali is now in exile in Saudi Arabia (where he has since been hospitalized because of a serious stroke), leaving Tunisians to rebuild their government and lives. A transition government has been formed including representatives of several of Tunisia's political parties. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi has announced that those imprisoned for political reasons will be released, and that the media will now enjoy full freedom. Members of the opposition party have been named to prominent government positions, although several veterans of Ben Ali's regime will remain in power, which has inspired continued unrest in the capital city of Tunis. In fact, despite what seem to be several victories for the revolutionaries, the protests continue as many desire more change. The interim government will remain in place until proper elections can be held.
The BBC was my primary source for this post; for more information, and to keep up to date with what is happening in Tunisia, visit the BBC's country profile for Tunisia.
