The situation in Tunisia is changing rapidly. For the latest updates, follow the BBC's live event page.
President Ben Ali has been President of Tunisia for almost 25 years; he won his fifth term with ninety per cent of the vote. Opposition groups said the vote was unfair, human rights activists claim his government jails opponents and clamps down on free speech.
Protestors fed up with the situation and angry at the lack of opportunities have taken to the streets. The government reacted with lethal force leaving 23 dead.
However, despite all this, last night the President appeared to make a dramatic u-turn. In a speech to the nation Mr Ben Ali expressed 鈥渄eep and massive regret鈥 and went on to announce political change.
Only this week the President called the protestors 鈥渢errorists鈥 but now claims he was misled by advisors and troops have been ordered to only fire in self-defence. Measures to scrap censorship and slash food prices were also revealed.
Understandably the news hit the headlines in the country. "I have understood you," read the front-page of the Alchourouk daily, while Le Temps wrote: "After the blood and desolation, there is new hope." Opposition groups are caution but have welcomed the pledges.
Today they were further indications of political change, the foreign minister said it would be possible to form a national unity government involving the opposition.
Protests are still due to take place today, with demonstrators calling for the President to leave office immediately. Is this strong leadership or a man who鈥檚 been forced into change? Are you convinced by the reforms?
Has the President been backed into a corner or is he simply admitting he got it wrong? Isn鈥檛 that the sign of a good leader 鈥 the ability to listen to the people? Would you like to see your leader back down more? or is it a sign of weakness?
Your comments
Comment sent via Facebook
18:48
113631290
Emmanuel posts on Facebook: Thanks to the dot com era twitter can help us mobilise together. These dictators can't kill everyone, we want a new Africa!
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:46
113631290
Triiton emails World Have Your Say: History has proven time and time again, that when an African dictator flees a country, that country will soon slip from hysteric happiness, to despair, to civil war to complete blood letting. This country will end up as another failed African state leaning toward radical Islamic beliefs. My spirit hopes for happiness, hope, faith and wisdom to lead the people. But my common sense tells me otherwise.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:44
113631290
Egeonu posted on FB: It's always better to stand up for your rights rather than laying complaints. My Tunisian brothers, you people have just marked your names in the annals of history.
Comment sent via MSGBOARD
18:41
113631290
Samihtoukan tweets: I'm really worried. We want the end of the regime not the end of Ben Ali.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:39
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NH_UK tweets: Ben Ali, only as late as yesterday you claimed to stay on as President until 2014!! Where are you Sir?
Comment sent via Facebook
18:39
113631290
Maina posts on Facebook: When I first heard of the protest, I dismissed it as something that would fizzle out or just be violently crashed by the state. I thought they were asking too much from an African government complaining of lack of jobs. But viola! It's a new dawn for Africa.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:35
113631290
Asha posts on Facebook: This is good. If a leader has lost the confidence and trust of majority of in his people in his ability to govern them the best thing is to step down cause they own the country. Especially this case where it has resulted in the death of citizens.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:32
113631290
Nora asks on Facebook: It is uplifting for all the people in the world when these moment of hope arise and people take their power. However, apart from all excitement, what will happen to Tunisia now? Who is the opposition / political alternative?
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:28
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Emmanuel in Ghana emailed World Have Your Say: The issue of rights is high on the mind of Africans now. Leaders must think twice.
Comment sent via Twitter
18:27
113822651
Dear Tunisia, I believe that your next step towards democracy should be local. Neighborhood meetings, town meetings, etc. @大象传媒_WHYS
Comment sent via Facebook
18:24
113631290
Henry posts on Facebook: I am grateful for recent events on the African continent with leaders who want to cling onto power forever being shown the door through popular social action ( revolution). This should be a lesson to the likes of Museveni, Mugabe, Bashir and Mubarak.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:21
113631290
Ladu in Sudan: If this is true, then over 75% of sitting African presidents should follow suit ! That is so good of the Tunisian president to vacate the seat which he could not occupy well !
Comment sent via SMS
18:18
115941601
African leader don鈥檛 learn from happenings in other african countries. Let it b known that threats & intimidations can鈥檛 stop change. Billy in Zambia
Comment sent via Facebook
18:17
113631290
Frankie comments on FB: African leaders who are not performing must follow suit. Its so absurd to have completed school yet not have a job. Some people have been unemployed for five years? One can only get frustrated and bust their anger on the streets.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:17
113631290
Dennis in Nigeria: Bravo Tunisians. It is a liberation day for the nation.
Comment sent via SMS
18:10
114295205
When a shove turns into a push, all it takes to bringdown a dictatorship is a vegetable vendor. Tunisia is witnessing the power of the people. Mustapha Kawoje. Nigeria.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:09
113631290
Williams in Sierra Leone comments: Great decision from an African leader, we pray others may follow soon. Knowing that you bear the greatest responsibility is a key step in democracy AND development.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:08
113631290
Bridget posts on Facebook: I'm a little afraid of what this means. It may leave the country more unstable than before.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:06
113631290
Fredric comments on Facebook: That's what i call being given an inch and taking a mile. The man gave so much concessions yesterday. Now they've ousted him.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:06
113631290
Issa in Sierra Leone comments: Let this be an inspiration to Lauren Gbagbo. His people do not want him so he should quit the presidency.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:07
113631290
Maria emailed the 大象传媒: The Tunisian People should move towards peace, please. With the current President stepping aside, the Prime Minister and First Prime Minister should be allowed to follow the will of the people to new elections and administration.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:06
113631290
PK posts on Facebook: Ben Ali has done the right thing. He knew that he has become so unpopular. his resignation will bring an end to the political madness in Tunisia. Power to the people!
Comment sent via YOURSAY
17:48
113631290
Chockri in Tunis emails: I think that this is a historical moment.Tunisia has a true opportunity to become the first democracy in the entire arab world.We can play a leading role in the region.I also do understand that we still have a long way to go and we will face many obstacles that we as tunisians will have to overcome
Comment sent via YOURSAY
17:48
113631290
Tariq in London emails: I'm glade that Tunisians show resistance to suppression power used by the non-democratic government. Most Arab Leaders are like Mr Ben Ali. As an Egyptian I hope one day we get ride off Mubarak and his party members. Good Luck Tunisian and wish you new life of democracy.
Comment sent via host
17:42
113631290
On air talking about the situation in Tunisia. Post your comments here.
A turning tide in Tunisia?
| Friday, 1 Jan. 2011 | 17:36 - 17:36 GMT
The situation in Tunisia is changing rapidly. For the latest updates, follow the BBC's live event page.
President Ben Ali has been President of Tunisia for almost 25 years; he won his fifth term with ninety per cent of the vote. Opposition groups said the vote was unfair, human rights activists claim his government jails opponents and clamps down on free speech.
Protestors fed up with the situation and angry at the lack of opportunities have taken to the streets. The government reacted with lethal force leaving 23 dead.
However, despite all this, last night the President appeared to make a dramatic u-turn. In a speech to the nation Mr Ben Ali expressed 鈥渄eep and massive regret鈥 and went on to announce political change.
Only this week the President called the protestors 鈥渢errorists鈥 but now claims he was misled by advisors and troops have been ordered to only fire in self-defence. Measures to scrap censorship and slash food prices were also revealed.
Understandably the news hit the headlines in the country. "I have understood you," read the front-page of the Alchourouk daily, while Le Temps wrote: "After the blood and desolation, there is new hope." Opposition groups are caution but have welcomed the pledges.
Today they were further indications of political change, the foreign minister said it would be possible to form a national unity government involving the opposition.
Protests are still due to take place today, with demonstrators calling for the President to leave office immediately. Is this strong leadership or a man who鈥檚 been forced into change? Are you convinced by the reforms?
Has the President been backed into a corner or is he simply admitting he got it wrong? Isn鈥檛 that the sign of a good leader 鈥 the ability to listen to the people? Would you like to see your leader back down more? or is it a sign of weakness?
Your comments
Comment sent via Facebook
Emmanuel posts on Facebook: Thanks to the dot com era twitter can help us mobilise together. These dictators can't kill everyone, we want a new Africa!
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Triiton emails World Have Your Say: History has proven time and time again, that when an African dictator flees a country, that country will soon slip from hysteric happiness, to despair, to civil war to complete blood letting. This country will end up as another failed African state leaning toward radical Islamic beliefs. My spirit hopes for happiness, hope, faith and wisdom to lead the people. But my common sense tells me otherwise.
Comment sent via Facebook
Egeonu posted on FB: It's always better to stand up for your rights rather than laying complaints. My Tunisian brothers, you people have just marked your names in the annals of history.
Comment sent via MSGBOARD
Samihtoukan tweets: I'm really worried. We want the end of the regime not the end of Ben Ali.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
NH_UK tweets: Ben Ali, only as late as yesterday you claimed to stay on as President until 2014!! Where are you Sir?
Comment sent via Facebook
Maina posts on Facebook: When I first heard of the protest, I dismissed it as something that would fizzle out or just be violently crashed by the state. I thought they were asking too much from an African government complaining of lack of jobs. But viola! It's a new dawn for Africa.
Comment sent via Facebook
Asha posts on Facebook: This is good. If a leader has lost the confidence and trust of majority of in his people in his ability to govern them the best thing is to step down cause they own the country. Especially this case where it has resulted in the death of citizens.
Comment sent via Facebook
Nora asks on Facebook: It is uplifting for all the people in the world when these moment of hope arise and people take their power. However, apart from all excitement, what will happen to Tunisia now? Who is the opposition / political alternative?
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Emmanuel in Ghana emailed World Have Your Say: The issue of rights is high on the mind of Africans now. Leaders must think twice.
Comment sent via Twitter
Dear Tunisia, I believe that your next step towards democracy should be local. Neighborhood meetings, town meetings, etc. @大象传媒_WHYS
Comment sent via Facebook
Henry posts on Facebook: I am grateful for recent events on the African continent with leaders who want to cling onto power forever being shown the door through popular social action ( revolution). This should be a lesson to the likes of Museveni, Mugabe, Bashir and Mubarak.
Comment sent via Facebook
Ladu in Sudan: If this is true, then over 75% of sitting African presidents should follow suit ! That is so good of the Tunisian president to vacate the seat which he could not occupy well !
Comment sent via SMS
African leader don鈥檛 learn from happenings in other african countries. Let it b known that threats & intimidations can鈥檛 stop change. Billy in Zambia
Comment sent via Facebook
Frankie comments on FB: African leaders who are not performing must follow suit. Its so absurd to have completed school yet not have a job. Some people have been unemployed for five years? One can only get frustrated and bust their anger on the streets.
Comment sent via Facebook
Dennis in Nigeria: Bravo Tunisians. It is a liberation day for the nation.
Comment sent via SMS
When a shove turns into a push, all it takes to bringdown a dictatorship is a vegetable vendor. Tunisia is witnessing the power of the people. Mustapha Kawoje. Nigeria.
Comment sent via Facebook
Williams in Sierra Leone comments: Great decision from an African leader, we pray others may follow soon. Knowing that you bear the greatest responsibility is a key step in democracy AND development.
Comment sent via Facebook
Bridget posts on Facebook: I'm a little afraid of what this means. It may leave the country more unstable than before.
Comment sent via Facebook
Fredric comments on Facebook: That's what i call being given an inch and taking a mile. The man gave so much concessions yesterday. Now they've ousted him.
Comment sent via Facebook
Issa in Sierra Leone comments: Let this be an inspiration to Lauren Gbagbo. His people do not want him so he should quit the presidency.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Maria emailed the 大象传媒: The Tunisian People should move towards peace, please. With the current President stepping aside, the Prime Minister and First Prime Minister should be allowed to follow the will of the people to new elections and administration.
Comment sent via Facebook
PK posts on Facebook: Ben Ali has done the right thing. He knew that he has become so unpopular. his resignation will bring an end to the political madness in Tunisia. Power to the people!
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Chockri in Tunis emails: I think that this is a historical moment.Tunisia has a true opportunity to become the first democracy in the entire arab world.We can play a leading role in the region.I also do understand that we still have a long way to go and we will face many obstacles that we as tunisians will have to overcome
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Tariq in London emails: I'm glade that Tunisians show resistance to suppression power used by the non-democratic government. Most Arab Leaders are like Mr Ben Ali. As an Egyptian I hope one day we get ride off Mubarak and his party members. Good Luck Tunisian and wish you new life of democracy.
Comment sent via host
On air talking about the situation in Tunisia. Post your comments here.