His self-immolation sparked an unprecedented wave of protests in North Africa and the Middle East, known today as the Arab Spring. Yet, the Arab Spring inspired people in many other countries around the world, including Africa. The Arab Spring had a learning effect for African countries away from decades of authoritarian regimes towards more freedom. He considers the revolution in Sudan to be an exception: linguistically and culturally, the country belongs more to the Arab region than sub-Saharan Africa. The "African Spring" lacks all the essential prerequisites and ingredients of the Arab Spring, says Gilbert Achcar, Professor of International Relations at SOAS University London.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 16, 2020 16:07 UTC