Fifteen years ago, Mohammed Bouazizi’s self-immolation sparked the Arab Spring, leading millions to protest against entrenched authoritarian regimes across the region. While Tunisia and Egypt initially embraced democratic transitions, both ultimately regressed into authoritarianism, with Egypt’s military coup in 2013 and Tunisia’s political crisis under Kais Saied. Although the protests highlighted a strong desire for democracy, regimes adapted to suppress future uprisings. Today, the enduring demand for democratic governance contrasts sharply with the return of oppressive rule in many countries.
