Egyptian uprising inspired by Tunisia’s upheaval

CAIRO - The month-long revolution in Tunisia, which led to the change of a 23-year military regime, was the inspiration for the uprising by Egyptians against Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.

Protests in Egypt broke out Jan 25, as opposition groups waged an internet campaign a week after the uprising in Tunisia. Weeks of unrest toppled Tunisian president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

BBC had earlier reported that in Cairo, thousands joined the protests after an internet campaign inspired by the uprising in Tunisia.

According to UN, at least 219 people died during and in the immediate aftermath of Tunisia’s uprising which erupted over a steep rise in inflation, unemployment and corruption. Ben Ali, along with his family, fled Tunisia Jan 14.

Several Egyptians tried to set themselves on fire during the initial phase of demonstrations, a move that was similar to the Tunisian uprising which began after the self-immolation of an unemployed youth.

Although Cairo’s Tahrir Square remained the epicentre during the 18 days of unrest, other cities like Alexandria and Suez also witnessed violence and demonstrations, leading to the death of nearly 300 people across the country.