News / Africa

Tunisians Rally Against Interim Government

A Tunisian policeman wears a red armband showing solidarity with the demonstrators in Tunis, Tunisia, 22 Jan 2011
A Tunisian policeman wears a red armband showing solidarity with the demonstrators in Tunis, Tunisia, 22 Jan 2011
TEXT SIZE - +

Thousands of Tunisians, including some police officers, have marched in the capital to protest against the new interim government.

Saturday's rally in Tunis was one of the almost daily protests that have taken place since the ouster of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali earlier this month.  However, dozens of police force members joined demonstrators in an unusual show of solidarity.

Protesters have been calling for the ouster of all government officials with ties to the former president.  On Friday, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi said  he would quit politics after the new government comes to power.  The prime minister served under Mr. Ben Ali.

The unrest erupted in December over discontent with high unemployment and food prices.  The government said earlier that at least 78 people had been killed in the violence.  U.N. officials have said the death toll may be as high as 100.

Saturday's demonstration took place as the nation marked the second day of a three day mourning period for those killed in the unrest.

Video of Tunis protests by VOA's Rod James

View the timeline of historical events in Tunisia

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

NEW: Follow our Middle East reports on Twitter
and discuss them on our Facebook page.

You May Like

Pakistan Reiterates Opposition to US Drone Strikes

Day earlier US President Barack Obama justified 'constrained' drone usage to save lives More

Study Identifies Risks of Human Spread of H7N9 Bird Flu

Study suggest that international measures to contain the H7N9 influenza, in the event of severe outbreak, will need to be targeted in Asia More

Violence Continues in Conakry Over Upcoming Elections

Opposition has called for boycott of elections More

Video Syria's Civil War Fuels Violence in Iraq

Analysts say al-Qaida-linked militants are flowing back and forth from both countries More

Video Star Trek Influence Lives Long and Prospers

As new movie thrills, many are once again discussing the iconic franchise's influence on society, science and technology More

OECD: Developing Green Cities Key to Sustainable Future

OECD suggests strategies to mitigate rapid growth, industrialization in urban centers, which produce about two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video Volunteers Help Revive LA's Concrete River

The Los Angeles River is a concrete drainage channel through much of its 80-kilometer length. It channels waste-water from storm drains and has become a receptacle for much of the city's trash. But as Mike O'Sullivan reports, the river is slowly being restored with the help of volunteers, who take part in an annual clean-up.