Tunisian President Flees the Country Amid Violent Riots
Latest reports from Tunisia reveal that the president of the republic, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, has fled the country after weeks of mass protests against the high rate of unemployment and the food price jump.
The president is said to have left the country tonight after previous reports indicated that he had dismissed the government, had called for early elections within six months and had declared the state of emergency.
Ben Ali was reported to be in Malta, France or Saudi Arabia at the end of a very difficult day for the most repressive regime in Africa.
Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announced he took over as interim president, and pledged to respect the Constitution and restore freedom for the people of the country.
He called on the people of Tunisia to join forces in order to push through this rough moment, and ensure the country’s stability.
Even though joy was felt in the streets of the major cities of the country, there was also fear that Ben Ali may return before the elections.
Ben Ali had promised this week he would not run for another term in 2014, but it would seem that the people did not settle for that, and wanted him ousted before that term.
The opposition leaders have sensed the crucial moment and called for radical reformation of the state.
