The protests started in the town of Siliana, northwestern Tunisia, following the municipal police aggression of a shepherd.
[3] Young people clashed with police for the fifth straight night on 19 January.
In response, Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi appealed to the protesters on national television, stating “Your voice is heard, and your anger is legitimate, and it is my role and the role of the government to work to realize your demands and to make the dream of Tunisia to become true.”[4] On 21 January, Tunisia reported 103 COVID-19–related deaths, the highest figure to date in the country, among the highest rates in Africa.
On 23 January, the government extended its health curfew and banned demonstrations.
Travel between regions was banned, bars and restaurants were closed except for take-out food, and university classes were transferred online.