Tunisia Marks 14th Anniversary of the Jasmine Revolution

Tunisia is commemorating the 14th anniversary of the Jasmine Revolution, the revolution of freedom and dignity that began in Sidi Bouzid on December 17, 2010, and culminated in the fall of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s regime on January 14, 2011.

The revolution’s spark was ignited when a young street vendor set himself on fire in Sidi Bouzid, triggering a wave of protests. Despite the late president’s attempts to suppress them, the protests led to his overthrow and his family’s flight after a massive demonstration on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, in front of the Ministry of Interior, where crowds chanted “Leave.”

Najib Kouka, director of the “International Festival of the December 17 Revolution,” delivered a speech on the occasion, broadcasted by local media. He said the commemoration serves to “pay homage and stand in reverence for the martyrs of the Tunisian revolution throughout the nation’s storied history—from the liberation struggle to the era of autocracy, the past decade of unrest, political assassinations, and terrorism victims.”

Kouka emphasized that, despite the years that have passed, Sidi Bouzid still faces several challenges, including high unemployment rates, unresolved land issues, unimplemented regional equity principles, and the neglect of vital development projects. He also highlighted the struggles of precarious laborers and the complex conditions faced by women in the agricultural sector, as well as transportation problems due to a lack of public transit options. He called for a “legislative revolution” to support Tunisia’s transition and reconstruction efforts.

The festival director also expressed disappointment in successive governments, accusing them of dashing the hopes of Sidi Bouzid’s residents and leaving the region stuck in a cycle of observation, waiting, and procrastination.

Meanwhile, Sidi Bouzid Governor Faisal Belsaoudi described the commemoration as “a source of pride for the Tunisian people, who gained the respect of the world.” He also noted that President Kais Saied had declared December 17 a national holiday, intervening at a critical time to curb political exploitation of the date.

The 14th-anniversary celebrations began on Monday with various artistic and musical performances in Sidi Bouzid’s main street, attended by the city’s governor, members of Parliament, regional council representatives, and other officials. The festivities also included the unveiling of the festival’s program and banners calling for social and developmental reforms.