Police and mourners clashed at the funeral of secular opposition leader Chokri Belaid whose assassination had set off a political crisis in Tunisia. It was the country’s biggest funeral since the death of Habib Bourguiba, freedom fighter and first President of the country in 2000. Tunisia is where the Arab uprisings first started. But it is divided between dominant Islamists and secular opponents. Frustration has gripped the nation at the lack of social and economic progress following the ouster of dictatorial President, Ben Ali in January 2011. But it had been more or less peaceful until the assassination of Belaid. The political transition has now come to a halt. People want a new revolution Belaid’s coffin was draped in a red and white Tunisian flag as a security forces helicopter flew overhead. Some demonstrators condemned Rachid Ghanmouchi, leader of the ruling Ennahda party calling him an assassin.
Tunis was not the only city in turmoil. Gafsa, a mining town was also in tumult. So was Sidi Bouzid where the revolt against the former dictator had started. Banks, factories and some shops were shut down in Tunis and other cities. A strike was called by unions against Belaid’s killing. Prime Minister Hamdi Jebali, an Islamist said he would dissolve the government and form a cabinet of technocrats until fresh elections could be held. But Jebali’s own party and the secular coalition partners complained that they had not been consulted on this proposed move. Tunisia is as much on the boil as Egypt. Syria is virtually a battle field. The Arab Spring seems to be fading out.
