Tunisia to Unveil New Government After Protests Oust President

Leaders hope the inclusion of opposition members will stabilize the country and quell violent protests.

Gun battles continued on the streets of Tunis and Carthage Sunday after mass protests forced President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to flee the country Friday, leaving Tunisia without a head of state. In a bid to calm the situation Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi is expected to announce the formation of a unity government Monday that includes members of the opposition parties, but many Tunisians say it’s time to remove Ben Ali’s party from power altogether. Ben Ali, who seized control with a bloodless coup in 1987, fled to Saudi Arabia after food shortages, high unemployment, and corruption allegations sparked huge demonstrations. Over the weekend, looting and gunfire was widespread as factions loyal to Ben Ali clashed with the army.