Islamist-inspired Ennahdha opposition party arrested on Monday, once towered over Tunisia’s politics but many now blame him for the country’s ills. Ennahdha played a major role in Tunisia following Ben Ali’s downfall but, soon after, the powerful party found itself on a collision course with President Kais Saied. At the time Ghannouchi was the speaker of parliament, the second highest office in Tunisia, a title he lost when Saied neutered the national assembly. Ghannouchi had lived in exile for 20 years before returning home to a triumphant welcome by many following Ben Ali’s ouster in 2011. Many among his Ennahdha party criticised him openly, accusing him of controlling decision-making and refusing to implement reforms.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 19, 2023 01:07 UTC