Ask us to name the nations of the Maghreb & Tunisia would be last, after Mauritania even. Yet even in a nation where, per the VoA, little dissent is tolerated:
Riots in the North African nation were triggered last month when a 26-year-old university graduate in the central city of Sidi Bouzid who could only find work as a street merchant set himself on fire after authorities confiscated his produce. The man, Mohammed Bouazizi, later died of his burns.
Protests are rare in Tunisia, where the government tolerates little dissent.
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — At least 11 people have died in clashes with security forces in new rioting in the North African country where unrest is in its fourth week, local union officials said Sunday.
The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, said eight people were killed over the weekend in the western towns of Thala, and Kasserine.
Rioting to protest joblessness and other social ills has scarred numerous cities across this tiny country since Dec. 17, after a 26-year-old man with a university degree set himself on fire when police confiscated his fruits and vegetables for selling without a permit.
Mobs have since attacked public buildings and the local office of the party of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Next door in Algeria:
Algeria Riots
Youth face police forces in Annaba, eastern Algeria, Saturday Jan. 8, 2011. Youths in the North African nation have been rioting for days following sudden price hikes for staples including sugar, flour and oil. (AP Photo)
Face of the Day
Let's see if one of his minions went w/ it. Hah, no. (We haven't cared for a long time, have we?)
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