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The growing number of protesters raises the possibility that political divisions in Tunisia will turn into street clashes.
Thousands of Tunisians opposed to the almost total seizure of power by President Kais Saied demonstrated in the capital with a very strong police presence trying to prevent them from advancing along the central avenue Habib Bourguiba.
A week after thousands of people demonstrated in favor of Saied, the growing number of protesters on either side raises the possibility that Tunisian political divisions will turn into street clashes between the two camps.
Last week, more than 8,000 protesters gathered in Tunis in support of Saied, reporters from Reuters and the state news agency said, while the Interior Ministry said around 5,000 had participated. The next day, Saied said 1.8 million people came to support him.
Despite the checkpoints and security screening of protesters, more than 5,000 protesters gathered on Sunday.
A police source said at least 3,000 people gathered at the start of the rally and the crowd kept growing. Witnesses later said more than 5,000 people were flocking to Avenue Bourguiba, the main thoroughfare in central Tunis.
A man holds a banner as he attends a protest against the takeover by Tunisian President Kais Saied, in Tunis, Tunisia, October 10, 2021 [Zoubeir Souissi/Reuters]“The people against the coup”, “Raise your voice, the revolution is not dead”, launched the anti-Saïed demonstrators, waving red and white Tunisian flags.
Many identified themselves as supporters of the Ennahdha party, the largest party in the now suspended parliament.
Helmeted, black-clad riot police were deployed and protesters were barred from entering a section of Bourguiba Avenue.
“The rally is blocked” and “shame on you,” shouted a voice from the crowd.
“We will not accept the coup. Enough is enough, ”protester Yassin ben Amor said.
In July, Saied sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive power in moves his enemies call a coup.
Last month he dismissed much of the constitution, which he said he would appoint a committee to amend, adding he could rule by decree.
His intervention called into question the democratic gains made by Tunisians during a 2011 revolution that triggered the uprisings of the Arab Spring.
He appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane Prime Minister, but she has not yet appointed a government.
Saied said he would engage in dialogue with the Tunisian people and representatives of youth, especially from the regions, on the future during a meeting on Saturday with the acting interior minister, Ridha Gharsallaoui.
Protesters carry flags and banners during a demonstration against the takeover by Tunisian President Kais Saied, in Tunis, Tunisia, October 10, 2021 [Zoubeir Souissi/Reuters]
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