Amid preparations for 23 Oct constituent assembly elections, Higher Body for Elections 7 Sept announced deposition of electoral lists completed on time. Political parties 14 Sept agreed roadmap for transition to democracy, parliamentary elections to be held in 1 year. Amid continued instability PM Caid Essebi 6 Sept announced ban on police union activities, strict state of emergency. Security forces 2 Sept opened fire in Sbeitla to break up street fighting involving hundreds, 5 Sept broke up tribal clashes in Metlaoui, 17-19 Sept clashed with youths in Kebili demanding resignation of transitional govt. Following several days of protests in Kasserine against high unemployment 5 unemployed teachers 16 Sept attempted to hang themselves outside education ministry building. Army 21 Sept clashed with unidentified heavily-armed group near Algerian border leaving 6 gunmen dead. Former justice minister Bechir Tekkeri arrested 8 Sept on suspicion of bribing witness in trial of Ben Ali family member. Authorities 21 Sept detained former Libya PM al-Mahmoudi for illegally entering Tunisia.

Protesters early month calling for judicial reform after Saida Agrebi, confidant to former president Ben Ali, fled country 30 July; govt 9 Aug fired public prosecutor. Court 12 Aug sentenced 25 relatives of Ben Ali including his wife to prison terms; former security chief Ali Seriati acquitted of forgery, still faces charges of plotting against state security. Only 52% of potential voters reportedly registered for Oct Assembly elections despite extension of deadline.

Popular frustration over slow pace of reform sparked violent clashes between protesters and security forces in several cities 16-17 July. 1 protester reported killed in Sidi Bouzid, several police injured in Menzel Bourguiba. Interim PM Beji Caid Sebsi claimed religious extremists responsible for violence. Ahead of Oct elections, reform committee 20 July passed bill banning all foreign funding for political parties. Court 21 July opened 2 fresh trials of former president Ben Ali on charges of corruption, property fraud, 28 July sentenced him to 16 years jail.

Following 6-hour trial in absentia, court 20 June handed down 35-year sentence, $66mn fine to former president Ben Ali and his wife for embezzlement. Ben Ali 21 June denounced trial as “parody of justice”. Interim PM Beji Caid Essebsi 8 June announced constitutional assembly elections to be postponed until 23 Oct in line with electoral commission recommendation, in bid to ensure credibility, transparency. Islamist movement Ennahda 27 June withdrew from national reform commission, citing lack of consensus. Tunisia 24 June joined ICC.

Overnight curfew imposed in Tunis 8-18 May following major protests early month against poor living conditions, slow pace of reform. Reports said 1,400 arrested, 300 charged with offences during curfew period. Status of planned constituent assembly elections unclear: electoral commission 24 May announced postponement until 16 Oct, citing insufficient time for preparations; interim govt same day claimed election will go ahead 24 July. 2 reported killed 23 May in unrest at Choucha refugee camp near Libyan border; security forces 24 May used tear gas to break up fighting between refugees, local residents. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture 21 May said around 300 killed, 700 injured during Dec-Jan uprising, higher than previous estimates.

High Commission 11 Apr announced 23-year election ban on top officials from ex-president Ben Ali’s disbanded Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD). Hundreds of RCD supporters 16 Apr protested in Tunis against exclusion; transitional govt 26 Apr amended ban to 10 years. Govt 13 Apr announced 18 criminal charges filed against Ben Ali including voluntary manslaughter, drug trafficking. Govt 29 Apr rebuked Libya after pro-Qaddafi troops crossed border during clashes with rebels.

Interim President Mebazaa 3 March announced constitutional assembly elections to be held by 24 July, confirmed interim govt would govern until then, despite constitutional 60-day term limit on caretaker leaders; claimed constitution no longer reflects ”aspirations of the people”. Interim PM Essebsi 7 March named new cabinet, following string of resignations early month. Court 9 March dissolved ousted President Ben Ali’s Rally for Constitutional Democracy (RCD) party, major demand of continued protests; followed 7 March dissolution of State Security Department.

Month saw attempts to restore stability following Jan ousting of President Ben Ali. UN OHCHR team 1 Feb said at least 219 killed during Jan uprising. Interim PM Mohammad Ghannouchi, formerly of Ben Ali’s Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) party, 27 Feb announced resignation, following mounting protests against ties to ousted regime. 3 protesters killed, scores injured by security forces in 24-27 Feb demonstrations. UNHCR 27 Feb warned of impending humanitarian crisis following massive influx of refugees from Libya (see Libya). Interior Ministry 6 Feb announced suspension of RCD party, pending formal dissolution. Senate 9 Feb granted decree-rule powers to interim President Mebazaa, in move intended to expedite reforms. Govt 20 Feb issued formal request to Saudi Arabia for extradition of Ben Ali; seeks trial relating to killing of protesters.

President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali ousted 14 Jan following weeks of riots and demonstrations over economic conditions, govt corruption and repression; UNHCR said at least 219 killed. Rallies sparked by 17 Dec self-immolation protest by Mohamed Bouazizi. New unity govt formed 17 Jan under interim President Fouad Mebazaa; former PM Mohammed Ghannouchi retained position as did ministers of defence, interior and foreign affairs. Anti-govt protests continued over inclusion of members linked to Ben Ali’s former Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) party. Govt 27 Jan named new interim cabinet, removed 12 ministers linked to former ruling RCD party, appointed 3 independents to interior, foreign, defence posts; retained 9 ministers, including PM Ghannouchi. General Labour Union (UGTT), main force behind protests against interim government, 29 Jan endorsed new cabinet. Govt 20 Jan lifted ban on all political groups, announced amnesty for all political prisoners; Rachid Ghannouchi, leader of long-outlawed Islamist party Ennahdha, 30 Jan returned from 20-year exile. Interim-PM Ghannouchi 21 Jan announced country’s first free elections since independence. Chief of army General Rachid Ammar, who refused to support Ben Ali’s crackdown on protests, 24 Jan promised army will “protect the revolution”, warned political vacuum could bring back dictatorship.

Ongoing nationwide riots and demonstrations against rising unemployment. 1 protester killed, several injured 24 Dec in violent clashes with police in central town of Menzel Bouzaiene. President Ben Ali 28 Dec criticised use of violence, warned protesters would be punished with “all firmness”.