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Tunis – Tunisia’s ruling Islamists and opposition were to begin hard-won negotiations yesterday to end months of political deadlock, with Prime Minister Ali Larayedh expected to announce his government’s resignation. Ahead of the long-awaited national dialogue, which mediators hope will mark a crucial step in the country’s democratic transition, rival protests are planned in the capital’s central Habib Bourguiba Avenue, epicentre of the January 2011 revolution.
A coalition of secular opposition parties has called a demonstration early afternoon to demand the immediate departure of the government led by ruling Islamist party Ennahda, which it accuses of clinging to power.
Separately, the League for the Protection of the Revolution, a controversial pro-government militia, has urged supporters of Tunisia’s first freely-elected government to defend its “legitimacy,” raising fears of violence.
Police from dawn deployed along the central Tunis boulevard and partially blocked traffic.
Online Reporter