The State of the Arab Transitions

On December 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself in protest of his humiliation at the hands of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's state, sparking the largest popular protests across the Arab world. The following timeline chronicles key moments in the transitions of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

Photo: Ahmed Abdel Fatah

2010-12-17 14:13:35

Bouazizi's Self-Immolation

Mohamed Bouazizi, a twenty-six year old vegetable vendor, self-immolates in Sidi Bouzid in protest of local officials’ demanding bribes. The event sparks public outrage and protests in the governorate, which are put down with violence by police. Bouazizi dies on January 4, and his actions come to symbolize the injustice and economic hardship afflicting many Tunisians under the Zine El Abidine Ben Ali regime. Throughout December 2010 and January 2011, protests spread throughout the rest of the country, eventually reaching the capital Tunis, where police break up several protests with tear gas and riot gear. Later reports allege that over 300 were killed during the uprisings, however the majority of the protests remained peaceful.

2011-01-14 14:13:35

Ben Ali Steps Down

Ben Ali steps down as president, leaving the country. Tunisian state media reports that the government has been dissolved and that legislative elections will be held in the next six months. Ben Ali’s Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi assumes power as president, but on January 15 is replaced as interim president by Fouad Mebazaa, the former speaker of the lower house of the Tunisian parliament. At the time, both are members of Ben Ali’s political party, the Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD).

2011-01-17 14:13:35

New Unity Government Announced

Ghannouchi, acting as prime minister, announces the formation of a new unity government that incorporates several opposition figures in cabinet posts alongside several sitting ministers from the Ben Ali regime. The next day, however, the future of the interim government appears to be in jeopardy when a number of the cabinet’s new ministers from opposition parties resign in response to fresh street protests over the inclusion of ministers from the previous regime. Attempting to signal a break with the past, Mebazaa, Ghannouchi, and the interim government’s cabinet ministers who had served under Ben Ali all withdraw from the RCD. The interim government announces another set of reforms, lifting Ben Ali’s ban on opposition political parties and granting amnesty to all political prisoners. In February the government officially suspends all RCD activities.tory info here

2011-01-25 14:13:35

18 day protest topples Mubarak

Egyptians take to the street in nationwide demonstrations calling for the removal of the 30-year dictator, Hosni Mubarak. During the 18 days of protests hundreds are killed, as protesters from across the political spectrum participate in the demonstrations. Protesters in Cairo gather in the now-iconic Tahrir Square, staging a sit-in until Vice President Omar Suleiman announces Mubarak’s resignation. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, a governing body of 21 officers in the military, assumes leadership of the country.

2011-01-27 03:11:41

Anti-Government Protests Break out in Sana'a

Anti-government protests break out in Sana’a, calling for the end of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s thirty-three-year regime.

2011-02-15 17:36:18

Protests erupt in Benghazi

First protests calling for Muammar al-Qaddafi to step down emerge in Benghazi in which thirty-eight protesters were beaten by Libyan security forces. This incident marked the prelude to the First Battle of Benghazi that sparked the Libyan Civil War.

2011-02-27 14:13:35

Ghannouchi Steps Down

Amid continuing protests over the interim government’s links to the Ben Ali regime, Ghannouchi steps down as interim prime minister. He is replaced by Beji Caid Sebsi. In early March, the Tunisian government legalizes the Ennahda Party, a moderate Islamic party banned under the Ben Ali regime, paving the way for it to enter candidates in future elections.

2011-03-18 18:25:34

Dozens killed in crackdown on protests

A government crackdown on protestors in Sana’a’s Change Square kills dozens and is labeled a massacre. This turns the Yemeni public against the Saleh regime, and Saleh’s military advisor General Ali Mohsen defects.

2011-03-19 14:13:45

March constitutional referendum

Egyptians take to the polls for the first time after Mubarak’s ouster in a referendum on constitutional amendments to the 1971 constitution proposed by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF). The amendments, meant to set the legal framework for the post-Mubarak democratic transition, include limiting the presidential term, stipulate the appointment of a vice president, and outline the conditions for presidential bids. The amendments are approved by 77 percent of voters, with a 41 percent voter turnout. Islamists push for a ‘yes’ vote, framing it as a vote in favor of ‘Sharia,’ since the amendments maintained the role of Sharia in the constitution, while liberal forces call for a ‘no’ vote.

2011-05-10 08:09:03

Law issued for election of NCA

Legislative Decree 35/2011 is issued, providing a law for the election of a National Constituent Assembly. The assembly will be composed of 217 members, elected by universal suffrage and proportional representation with equal gender representation respected on the candidates’ lists. Elections are originally slated for July 24, 2011, but in June the interim government will postpone the election to choose a constitutional council until October 23, 2011, saying that more time is required to prepare for a credible vote.

2011-10-09 14:13:45

Maspero Massacre

In October, Egypt’s Christian Coptic minority stage several protests in Cairo over continued sectarian attacks outside the capital city. The October 9 protest draw thousands demonstrating against the destruction of a church in Upper Egypt. As the armed forces move in to quell the protest, up to 27 Coptic protesters are killed, some crushed under army APCs.

2011-10-23 08:09:03

NCA Elections Held

Elections are held to determine the members of the National Constituent Assembly, which has a mandate to appoint an interim cabinet and draft a new constitution. With voter turnout at nearly 70 percent, the Ennahda party emerges as the clear victor, winning ninety seats with more than 40 percent of the vote. There were more than 11,000 candidates running with more than eighty parties registered as well as several hundred independents. Observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe call the elections "free and fair" with no "widespread or systematic irregularities.”

2011-10-23 08:18:04

NTC Declares Libya's Liberation

After several months of heavy fighting and a NATO-led intervention, Libya’s transitional government, the National Transitional Council, declares national liberation. With Muammar Qaddafi killed and the capitol Tripoli taken by rebel fighters, the Libyan revolution succeeds in bringing an end to forty-two years of dictatorship. To embark upon the process of democratization, the transitional government announces plans to hold elections within eight months.

2011-11-19 10:25:34

Mohamed Mahmoud Clashes

Clashes between police and protesters break out in Mohamed Mahmoud Street, off of Tahrir Square on November 19, after families of martyrs of the January 25 uprising were attacked by unknown assailants. The clashes last six days, leaving almost 50 dead and hundreds injured, many of them blinded. It is later revealed that security forces deliberately targeted anti-military protesters’ eyes.

2011-11-23 18:25:34

Saleh Signs Agreement to Step Down

Ali Abdullah Saleh signs the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreement. This initiative provides Saleh domestic immunity from prosecution after he steps down from power and temporarily transfers the presidency to his vice president Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi. The document also outlines a two-phase transition roadmap, to include a lengthy national dialogue process.

2011-11-28 10:25:34

First Post-mubarak parliament elections

On November 28, the first post-Mubarak parliamentary elections begin, as Egyptians take to the polls for the second time since the uprising. The elections are staged over a period of three and a half months under the supervision of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. About 54 percent of the eligible 50 million voters participate. Islamists dominated the elections, with the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party winning 48 percent of the seats, followed by the Salafi Nour Party earning 28 percent of the seats.

2011-12-10 12:30:30

Interim Constitution Adopted

The newly elected Constituent Assembly adopts a new interim constitution, titled "Law on the Interim Organization of Public Powers of Tunisia." The document remains in authority to date, and will continue to be so until a new constitution is drafted by the assembly and subsequently adopted by referendum.

2011-12-12 12:30:30

Moncef Marzouki Named Interim President

The Ennahda majority in the National Constituent Assembly strikes a deal with the two election runners-up, the center-left secular Congress for the Republic and social democratic Ettakatol parties, to cooperate in the Assembly and share the three highest positions in the state. Accordingly, Ennahda supports the election of Ettakatol's Secretary-General Mustapha Ben Jafar as Speaker of Parliament, and CPR leader Moncef Marzouki as interim President of the Republic, who, in exchange, immediately appoints Ennahda's Secretary-General Hamadi Jebali as prime minister.

2011-12-16 10:25:34

Cabinet Clashes

Clashes at the Egyptian cabinet break out in December after a sit-in is staged protesting the appointment of Mubarak-era minister, Kamal al-Ganzoury, as interim prime minister. The clashes last four days, leaving 24 dead and hundreds injured. During the clashes, a young woman, now known only as ‘the girl in the blue bra, is filmed being brutally beaten by military police.

2012-02-01 10:25:34

Port Said Massacre

In one of the worst incidents of violence in post-Mubarak Egypt, at least 79 people are killed and almost 1,000 injured in the Port Said stadium following a premier league match between the Al-Masry and Al-Ahly clubs. According to official media reports, Al-Masry fans wielding knives, swords, stones, bottles, and fireworks attacked the Al-Ahly fans. Hardcore football fans, known as Ultras, however, accuse security officials and the interim government of planning the massacre as punishment for their roles, both during the revolution and in post-revolutionary Egypt.

2012-02-21 09:03:04

Hadi Wins Presidential Elections

Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi wins single-candidate presidential elections as an uncontested, consensus candidate.

2012-06-14 09:03:04

Court orders parliament's dissolution

Egypt’s first post-Mubarak parliament is dissolved by the Supreme Constitutional Court, on the grounds that the election of a third of its members was unconstitutional. The decision is viewed as a part of the power struggle between the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamists on one side and the SCAF on the other. The ruling came in the midst of presidential elections, and as a result, was viewed by political forces, including liberals, as a move by the SCAF to consolidate its rule. In July, one of Mohamed Morsi’s first moves as Egypt’s newly elected president, he attempts to restore the parliament, but is unsuccessful.

2012-06-24 09:03:04

Mohamed Morsi elected Egypt’s president

Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Morsi was declared Egypt’s first civilian president after two rounds of voting. In the first round, which took place May 23-24, Morsi was in the lead with almost 25 percent of the vote. Ahmed Shafik, the presidential candidate who represented the old order, having served as Mubarak’s last prime minister, followed closely with almost 24 percent of the votes. In the run offs, taking place on June 16-17, Morsi won with almost 52 percent of the vote. He swore a symbolic oath in Tahrir on June 29, while swearing his official oath in front of the Supreme Constitutional Court on June 30.

2012-07-07 00:36:37

GNC Elections

Elections for the General National Congress take place, with 1.7 million of 2.8 million registered voters casting their ballots for their representatives in the legislature. Despite isolated violent incidents, voting day is remarkably successful and hailed as a historic milestone. Mahmoud Jibril’s National Forces Alliance, a broad-based coalition, is deemed the big winner in taking a majority of seats, although the minority Islamists will manage to gain influence among the independents in the legislature.

2012-08-02 18:25:34

UN confirms Benomar as Special Adviser on Yemen

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon confirms the appointment of Jamal Benomar as Special Adviser on Yemen. Jamal Benomar has played an integral role in the country’s political transition since his arrival in April 2011. He has acted as a mediator on various issues in Yemen and a representative of the international community.

2012-08-09 16:09:53

Morsi appoints sisi defense minister

President Mohamed Morsi orders the retirement of senior military figures, Minister of Defense Hussein Tantawi and Chief of Staff Sami Anan. The president appoints Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the chief of military intelligence as new defense minister. Morsi also cancels the military-drafted addendum to the Constitutional Declaration, which put many authorities in military hands just before he was announced president in June. Later, Morsi grants Tantawi and Anan state medals, and appoints them as presidential advisors.

2012-08-13 10:55:34

Article 28 protest

Thousands march through downtown Tunis to protest the draft constitution’s Article 28, which describes women as men’s “partners” and asserts that “their [men’s and women’s] roles fulfill one another within the family.” Activists say the description falls short of recognizing women and men as equal. Other activists raise concerns over articles restricting freedom of expression and free media.

2012-09-11 13:58:34

Attack on US consulate in Benghazi

In the midst of regional anti-US demonstrations, the US Consulate in Benghazi comes under fierce attack. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other American personnel are killed in the assault, which authorities later determine was a coordinated attack by Ansar al-Sharia, signaling a dangerous trend of deteriorating security throughout Libya.

2012-09-14 10:03:04

Attack on US embassy in Tunis

Rioters attack the US Embassy in Tunis, and the American staff evacuates the embassy unscathed. The rioters were reportedly encouraged by Seifallah ben Hassine, allegedly the leader of Ansar al-Sharia, a radical Islamist group that will be designated a terrorist organization by the Tunisian government. Ansar al-Sharia will be implicated in numerous future attacks, including numerous bombings and shootouts in the Mount Chaambi region along the border with Algeria. Security incidents also abound at the border with Libya. These incidents underscore the Tunisian government’s challenges in addressing security threats arising from radical groups within its borders and in neighboring states.

2012-11-14 13:58:34

Ali Zidan Appointed Prime Minister

Prime Minister Ali Zidan, appointed by the General National Congress, takes office after the legislature approves his cabinet nominees.

2012-11-22 16:09:53

Morsi's Constitutional Decree

Morsi issues a constitutional decree immunizing not only all of his presidential decrees, but also the Islamist dominated constituent assembly tasked with drafting Egypt’s new constitution from dissolution, as well as the Islamist dominated lower house of parliament, the Shura Council. He also uses the decree as an opportunity to forcibly retire the Mubarak-era prosecutor, and choosing his replacement. The decree also extends the time for the constituent assembly to complete its work.

2012-12-05 19:02:02

Ittihadeya Clashes

In response to Morsi’s constitutional decree, tens of thousands of protesters took to the street, rallying outside the Ittihadeya presidential palace on December 4. The next day, Morsi’s opponents continued their protest, staging a sit-in outside the gates of the palace, calling for the decree’s repeal. Clashes erupted when supporters of Morsi attacked the sit-in on the evening of December 5. The clashes left five dead, and over 600 injured. The Muslim Brotherhood continues to deny that the group had a role in the clashes, while the incident is a key event being used in Morsi’s trial following his ouster.

2012-12-25 19:02:02

2012 Constitution Ratified

Following a referendum held from December 15 to 22, Egypt’s 2012 constitution is ratified, after its drafting by an Islamist-dominated body. The constitutional process is wrought with tension, particularly following the withdrawal of most secular forces from the constituent assembly, amid accusations levied at Islamists for what is seen as an attempt to dominate the process. The constitution passes in a two round referendum held from December 15 to 22, with a 63.8 percent approval rate. The voter turnout, however, is the lowest in post-Mubarak elections, with only 32.9 percent of eligible voters taking to the polls.

2013-02-06 10:03:04

Chokri Belaïd Assassinated

Chokri Belaïd, lawyer and an opposition leader with the left-secular Democratic Patriots' Movement, is fatally shot outside his house near Tunis. As a result of the assassination, Jebali announces a plan to dissolve the existing national government and to form a temporary "national unity" government. The plan fails, and Jebali resigns in late February. Interior Minister Ali Laarayedh, also a member of Ennahda, is appointed as prime minister.

2013-03-18 07:33:04

NDC Launches in Yemen

The National Dialogue Conference is launched as stipulated by the GCC agreement, with the participation of 565 delegates representing Yemen’s political parties, regions, and social groups.

2013-05-05 16:25:34

Political Isolation law passes

After weeks of escalating pressure from armed Islamists and militias, the General National Congress votes to pass the Political Isolation Law to exclude former officials of the Qaddafi regime from holding public office. By the end of the month, Mohamed Magarief, president of the General National Congress and a former ambassador under Qaddafi, submits his resignation in anticipation of being forced out. In the following weeks and months, a commission begins to implement the law by distributing questionnaires and vetting elected representatives.

2013-06-01 04:31:27

Draft Constitution Released

The Constituent Assembly releases a final draft constitution after a seven month delay. The draft is allegedly entering what Ennahda and the opposition acknowledge as its final stages.

2013-06-25 16:25:34

Nuri Ali Abu Sahmain Elected GNC President

The General National Congress elects Nuri Ali Abu Sahmain to succeed Magarief as the legislature’s president. The election of a member of the minority Amazigh community is positively received. The results also confirm the strength of the Islamist Justice and Construction Party and its allies, which supported Abu Sahmain’s candidacy.

2013-06-30 19:02:02

Morsi Ousted by Coup d'état

After months of campaigning by grassroots movement Tamarod, millions of Egyptians take to the street calling for early presidential elections. Morsi, and his Brotherhood allies, reject the demand, suggesting a national dialogue instead. The demand of the Tamarod petition, which they claim was signed by over 20 million people, quickly escalates to calling for Morsi’s ouster. On July 3, the minister of defense, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, joined by leaders from across the secular political spectrum, and state and religious institutions, announces Morsi’s ouster and the suspension of his 2012 constitution. The Nour Party is the only Islamist party to support the coup. Head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour is appointed interim president, and on July 8, a new roadmap is announced laying out a timeline to amend the suspended constitution, and hold parliamentary and presidential elections.

2013-07-16 16:25:34

Constitutional Committee Law Passes

The General National Congress passes the constitutional committee law, providing for the election of a committee to draft the country’s new constitution. The law calls for a committee of sixty members, with representation equally divided among Libya’s three regions. Women are allocated six seats, and the Amazigh, Tebu, and Tuareg minorities are each allocated two seats – aspects of the law that are widely criticized. In the following weeks and months, the minorities – Amazigh, in particular – will protest, including by blocking oil exports, and the Amazigh will ultimately boycott the constitutional committee elections.

2013-07-25 04:31:27

Mohamed Brahmi Assassination

Mohamed Brahmi, founder and former leader of the People's Movement opposition party, is assassinated in Tunis outside his home, in front of his wife and children by two men on a motorcycle. Sixty opposition deputies withdraw from the Constituent Assembly, which effectively prohibits further work on the constitution. After the two assassinations, some in the general public accuse Ennahda of not doing enough to stamp out a rise in Islamist violence, possibly even actively fomenting it. Protesters gather in Tunis and other cities across the country, calling for the government to resign.

2013-08-14 16:03:04

Dispersal of Raba’a and Nahda Sit-ins

Following Morsi’s ouster, the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist movements mobilize supporters to stage significant sit-ins in Cairo, in Raba’a al-Adaweya and al-Nahda squares. The sit-in lasts over a month, with intermittent clashes with security forces. On July 8, at least 51 pro-Morsi protestors and three members of security forces are killed, and over 400 injured, during clashes at the Republican Guard. On August 14, the violence escalates when security forces move in to disperse the sit-ins. The disproportionate use of violence leaves hundreds killed and thousands injured. While the Egypt’s Forensics Authority claims the death toll is just over 600, the Muslim Brotherhood claims more than 2000 were killed. The dispersal is the most violent attack carried out by security forces in Egypt’s post-revolutionary transition.

2013-08-21 07:33:04

Yemen Government issues apology for war

The government issues a formal apology to Southern Yemenis for the 1994 war between the North and the South, in an effort to encourage Southerners to participate thoroughly in the National Dialogue. The apology was formally rejected by Southern leaders.

2013-09-09 07:33:04

NDC debate southern issue

Debates over the Southern Issue and the future structure of the Yemeni state have paralyzed the National Dialogue, prompting the creation of a special subcommittee, the 8+8 Subcommittee. The committee is tasked with resolving the Southern Issue

2013-09-18 20:47:44

NDC dialogue deadline

The six-month deadline for completion of the NDC passes, but the dialogue has yet to conclude.

2013-10-05 04:31:27

Roadmap for Dialogue announced

In a bid to break the political deadlock that gripping the country following the assassinations of Belaïd and Brahmi, and amid continued protests and pressure by the opposition for the Ennahda-led government to resign, four prominent civil society mediators introduce a “roadmap” for a new National Dialogue. At the last minute, the ruling coalition and the opposition both agree to the roadmap, which includes provisions for the current government to step down in favor of a consensus cabinet. The new government will be tasked with setting a date for elections, appointing an electoral commission, and finalizing the constitution, all within strict timetables.

2013-10-05 16:25:34

AQ Operative Anas al-Liby Captured

US Special Forces capture alleged al-Qaeda operative Nazih Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai, aka Anas al-Liby, from his home in Tripoli. Al-Ruqai was wanted in connection with the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. Libyan authorities demanded an explanation of the raid, refuting accusations by Islamists that the raid was carried out with Tripoli’s knowledge and consent.

2013-10-10 13:03:04

Ali Zidan Briefly Abducted

Prime Minister Ali Zidan is briefly abducted by armed men. The former revolutionary militia behind the abduction says it “arrested” Zidan for allowing the United States to capture al-Liby. It was reported that two local militias secured his release. The incident was a stark reminder of the lawlessness pervading the country.

2013-10-31 20:47:44

Clashes Break out in northern yemen

Fighting breaks out between the rival Houthis and Salafis in northern Yemen and continues to rage, killing 260 people to date. In November, a Houthi representative to the NDC, Abdul Karim Jedban, is assassinated in Sana’a.

2013-11-11 13:03:04

Militia Announces Creation of Oil Company

After months of armed groups blocking oil ports and disrupting oil production and revenue, tensions escalate when a militia announces the creation of their own oil company to sell crude from the terminals they occupy. Although largely a symbolic move, it is a further challenge to the central government.

The State of the Arab Transitions

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