Violence and disappointment as Tunisia marks tenth anniversary of revolution

Since the tenth anniversary of the 2011 Arab Spring, Tunisia has witnessed a wave of unrest in different parts of the country. Groups of youngsters across disadvantaged urban areas took to the streets for several consecutive nights. 

Protestors on the streets of Tunis. © Alessandra Bajec

The night protests were marked by violent confrontations between young people and police resulting in mass arrests and the use of force against the protesters. The government responded with silence, and political parties appeared uninterested in investigating the motives driving youths onto the streets.

Day-time demonstrations have followed to denounce the arbitrary arrests and voice the same social and economic grievances that have not been tackled 10 years after the 2011 revolution.

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Sociologist Maher Hanin noted that early signs of the unrest could be seen in the widespread dissatisfaction building up for the past decade, with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating the country’s crisis.

Tunisia's young people feel betrayed by the Arab Spring. © Alessandra Bajec

Successive governments following the 2011 uprising have been unable to resolve long-standing problems such as a slow-moving economy and high unemployment.

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One young rapper and protester, Houssem, talked about police brutality and the growing economic frustration among Tunisians.

Another demonstrator, Siwa, a student, criticised the political class for its dismissive attitude towards the youth arguing that their voices should not be ignored.