Zine El Abidine Ben Ali#Rise to the presidency

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Ben Ali was born in 1936 to moderate-income parents{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/tunisia/ben-ali.htm|title=Zine El Abidine Ben Ali|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224220827/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/tunisia/ben-ali.htm|url-status=live}} as the fourth of eleven children in the family.{{cite web|url=http://m.slateafrique.com/9145/ben-ali-dictateur-tunisie-revolution-militaire-portrait|language=fr|title=Ben Ali, le dictateur "bac moins 3"|first=Mehdi|last=Farhat|date=7 July 2011|publisher=SlateAfrique|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224214414/http://m.slateafrique.com/9145/ben-ali-dictateur-tunisie-revolution-militaire-portrait|url-status=live}} His father{{cite web|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/fra/reglements/DORS-2011-78/section-sched1-20111216.html?wbdisable=true|date=16 December 2011|title=Étrangers politiquement vulnérables (Tunisie)|language=fr|publisher=Department of Justice of Canada|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213936/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/fra/reglements/DORS-2011-78/section-sched1-20111216.html?wbdisable=true|url-status=dead}} worked as a guard at the port city of Sousse.{{cite web|url=http://main.islammessage.com/newspage.aspx?id=7039|title=محطات في حياة زين العابدين بن علي|language=ar|date=15 January 2011|publisher=Islam Message|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213627/http://main.islammessage.com/newspage.aspx?id=7039|url-status=live}}

Ben Ali joined the local resistance against French colonial forces and was imprisoned. His expulsion from secondary school was the reason why he never completed his secondary education.{{cite web|url=http://www.dostor.org/print.aspx?1166419|title=جريدة الدستور : في عيد مولده.. هل فهم زين العابدين بن علي الشعب التونسي حقًا؟ (طباعة|publisher=Al-Dustour|date=3 September 2016|language=ar|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213725/http://www.dostor.org/print.aspx?1166419|url-status=live}} He studied at the Sousse Technical Institute but failed to earn a professional certificate{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.net/encyclopedia/icons/2010/12/21/%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A|language=ar|title=زين العابدين بن علي|publisher=AlJazeera Arabic|access-date=19 November 2020|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127040159/https://www.aljazeera.net/encyclopedia/icons/2010/12/21/%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A|url-status=live}} and joined the newly formed Tunisian Army in 1958. Nevertheless, after being chosen as one among a group of young officers, he was awarded training in France at the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr in Coëtquidan and the School of Applied Artillery in Châlons-sur-Marne, and also in the United States at the Senior Intelligence School in Maryland and the School for Anti-Aircraft Field Artillery in Texas. He also held a diploma in electronics engineering from a local university.{{cite web|url=https://abidjan.net/qui/profil.asp?id=252|publisher=abdijan.net|title=Zine El Abidine Ben Ali|language=fr|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224214627/https://abidjan.net/qui/profil.asp?id=252|url-status=dead}} Returning to Tunisia in 1964, he began his professional military career the same year as a Tunisian staff officer.{{cite web|url=http://m.france24.com/ar/20110115-zine-elabidine-ben-ali-tunisia-president-popular-revolution|publisher=France24|date=18 January 2011|title=زين العابدين بن علي... الرئيس الذي حكم تونس 23 عاما وأسقطه بائع خضار|language=ar|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213951/http://m.france24.com/ar/20110115-zine-elabidine-ben-ali-tunisia-president-popular-revolution|url-status=live}} During his time in military service, he established the Military Security Department and directed its operations for 10 years. He briefly served as military attaché in the Tunisian embassy of Morocco and Spain before being appointed General Director of National Security in 1977.{{cite web|url=http://www.arabtimes.com/algeria%20book/doc8.html|title=عهد الجنرال زين العابدين بن علي|language=ar|author=Yahya Abu Zekrih|publisher=Arab Times|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416143631/http://www.arabtimes.com/algeria%20book/doc8.html|url-status=live}}[http://www.changement.tn/english/president-ben-ali/ben-ali-s-biography-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-president-of-the-tunisian-republic--2.html Ben Ali's biography: Zine El Abidine Bin Ali, President of the Tunisian Republic] at Changement.tn, 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021083832/http://www.changement.tn/english/president-ben-ali/ben-ali-s-biography-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-president-of-the-tunisian-republic--2.html |date=21 October 2010 }}

In April 1980, Ben Ali was appointed ambassador to Poland, and served in that position for four years. He also served as the military intelligence chief from 1964 to 1974 and later Director General of national security between December 1977 and 1980 until he was appointed as Minister of Defense.{{cite web|url=http://www.alittihad.ae/mobile/details.php?id=5240&y=2011|title=زين العابدين بن علي في سطور|date=15 January 2011|publisher=Ali Tihad|language=ar|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213538/http://www.alittihad.ae/mobile/details.php?id=5240&y=2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/arabic/middleeast/2011/01/110114_benal_profile|publisher=BBC News Arabic|date=20 June 2011|title=نبذة عن : زين العابدين بن علي|language=ar|access-date=24 December 2017|archive-date=9 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109194457/http://www.bbc.com/arabic/middleeast/2011/01/110114_benal_profile|url-status=live}} Soon after the Tunisian bread riots in January 1984, he was reappointed director-general of national security.{{cite book|last=Gana|first=Nouri|title=The Making of the Tunisian Revolution: Contexts, Architects, Prospects |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YJilBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA66|page=66|access-date=13 May 2015|year=2013|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-7486-9103-6}}

Ben Ali subsequently served as Minister of State in charge of the interior before being appointed Interior Minister on 28 April 1986 then Prime Minister by President Habib Bourguiba in October 1987.[http://www.biography.com/articles/Zine-el-Abidine-Ben-Ali-39445 Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali Biography] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105023440/http://www.biography.com/articles/Zine-el-Abidine-Ben-Ali-39445 |date=5 November 2010 }} Biography.com

{{main|1987 Tunisian coup d'état}}

File:Ben Ali portrait.jpg]]

On the morning of 7 November 1987, doctors attending to President Bourguiba filed an official medical report declaring him medically incapacitated and unable to fulfill the duties of the presidency. Ben Ali, next in line to the presidency, removed Bourguiba from office and assumed the presidency himself.[http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/cafrad/unpan004842.pdf Tunisian Constitution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407174303/http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/cafrad/unpan004842.pdf |date=7 April 2019 }} United Nations, 2009.[https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/09/world/senile-bourguiba-described-in-tunis.html?scp=2&sq=senile%20bourguiba&st=cseSenile Bourguiba Described in Tunis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701093918/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/09/world/senile-bourguiba-described-in-tunis.html?scp=2&sq=senile%20bourguiba&st=cseSenile |date=1 July 2017 }} The New York Times, 9 November 1987 The day of his accession to power was celebrated annually in Tunisia as New Era Day.{{cite web |url=http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Tunisia+New+Era+Day |title=Tunisia New Era Day |publisher=Encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com |date=7 November 1987 |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-date=6 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606221415/http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Tunisia+New+Era+Day |url-status=live }} Two of the names given to Ben Ali's rise to the presidency include "the medical coup d'état" and the "Tunisian revolution".{{cite web |last=Michael |first=Ayari |author2=Vincent Geisser |language=fr |title=Tunisie: la Révolution des "Nouzouh"* n'a pas l'odeur du jasmin |publisher=Témoignage chrétien |year=2011 |url=http://www.temoignagechretien.fr/ARTICLES/International/Tunisie-la-Revolution-des-%C2%ABNouzouh%C2%BB*-n%E2%80%99a-pas-l%E2%80%99odeur-du-jasmin/Default-3-2370.xhtml |access-date=14 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128201953/http://www.temoignagechretien.fr/ARTICLES/International/Tunisie-la-Revolution-des-%C2%ABNouzouh%C2%BB*-n%E2%80%99a-pas-l%E2%80%99odeur-du-jasmin/Default-3-2370.xhtml |archive-date=28 January 2011 |url-status=dead |author2-link=Vincent Geisser }}{{cite web |language=fr |title=La révolution par le feu et par un clic |publisher=Le Quotidien d'Oran/moofid.com |date=25 February 2011 |url=http://news.moofid.com/fr-8441-La-revolution-par-le-feu-et-par-un-clic.htm |access-date=14 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714113629/http://news.moofid.com/fr-8441-La-revolution-par-le-feu-et-par-un-clic.htm |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }} Ben Ali favoured the latter. Ben Ali’s assumption of the presidency was in conformity with Article 57 of the Tunisian Constitution. The country had faced 10% inflation, external debt accounting for 46% of GDP and a debt service ratio of 21% of GDP.{{cite web|url=http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/1/59/35286196.pdf|title=Republic of Tunisia Country Assistance Evaluation|publisher=World Bank|date=September 2004|access-date=31 January 2013|archive-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221080210/http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/1/59/35286196.pdf|url-status=live}}

In 1999, Fulvio Martini, former head of Italian military secret service SISMI, declared to a parliamentary committee that "from 1985 to 1987, we organized a coup of sorts in Tunisia, putting President Ben Ali as head of state, replacing Bourguiba who wanted to flee". Bourguiba, although a symbol of anti-colonial resistance, was considered incapable of leading his country any longer, and his reaction to the rising Islamic integrism was deemed "a bit too energetic" by Martini; Bourguiba's threat to execute the suspects might have generated strong negative responses in neighbouring countries. Acting under directives from Italian Prime Minister Bettino Craxi and Foreign Minister Giulio Andreotti, Martini claims to have brokered the accord that led to the peaceful transition of powers.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/fatti/afri/tuni/tuni.html|title=L'Italia dietro il golpe in Tunisia|work=la Repubblica|access-date=15 January 2011|archive-date=20 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120135105/http://www.repubblica.it/online/fatti/afri/tuni/tuni.html|url-status=live}}

According to Martini, the SISMI did not have an operational role in Ben Ali's rise to power, but organised a move to support his new government politically and economically, preventing Tunisia from falling into an open confrontation with fundamentalists, as happened in Algeria in the following years.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/fatti/afri/nigro/nigro.html|title=Tunisia, il golpe italiano 'Si', scegliemmo Ben Ali|work=la Repubblica|access-date=15 January 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090517/http://www.repubblica.it/online/fatti/afri/nigro/nigro.html|url-status=live}}

{{More citations needed section|date=September 2024}}

File:Ben Ali with Taha Yassin Ramadhan 1988.jpg in 1988]]

Alan Cowell, a prominent New York Times journalist, believed Ben Ali's initial promises of a more democratic way of ruling the country than had prevailed under Bourguiba.{{cite news | title=An Opening In Tunisia, A More Open North Africa? | work=New York Times | date=5 March 1989}} One of his first acts upon taking office was to loosen restrictions on the press; for the first time state-controlled newspapers published statements from the opposition. Ben Ali also released some political prisoners and granted them with pardons.{{Cite news |last=Cowell |first=Alan |date=5 March 1989 |title=THE WORLD; An Opening In Tunisia, A More Open North Africa? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/05/weekinreview/the-world-an-opening-in-tunisia-a-more-open-north-africa.html |access-date=27 April 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427163053/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/05/weekinreview/the-world-an-opening-in-tunisia-a-more-open-north-africa.html |url-status=live }} In 1988, he changed the name of the ruling Destourian Socialist Party to the Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD), and pushed through constitutional amendments that limited the president to three five-year terms, with no more than two in a row.

File:Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and Carlos Menem 03.jpg in 1997]]

However, the conduct of the 1989 elections was little different from past elections. The RCD swept every seat in the legislature, and Ben Ali appeared alone on the ballot in Tunisia's first presidential election since 1974. Although opposition parties had been legal since 1981, presidential candidates were required to get endorsements from 30 political figures. Given the RCD's near-absolute dominance of the political scene, prospective opposition candidates discovered they could not get their nomination papers signed. The subsequent years saw the return of several Bourguiba-era restrictions. For many years, the press had been expected to practice self-censorship, but this increasingly gave way to official censorship. Amendments to the press code allowed the Interior Ministry to review all newspaper and magazine articles before publication.{{cite book |title=The World Today Series: Africa 2012 |last=Dickovick |first=J. Tyler |year=2008 |publisher=Stryker-Post Publications |location=Lanham, Maryland |isbn=978-161048-881-5 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/africa20120000dick }} In 1992, the president's younger brother Habib Ben Ali was tried in absentia in France for laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking, in a case known as the "couscous connection". French television news was blocked in Tunisia during the trial.{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Couscous connection ... Economist}}|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-12936055.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924124256/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-12936055.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Couscous connection. (Tunisian President Zinc el-Abidine Ben Ali's brother on trial in France)|date=28 November 1992|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=14 May 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.monde-diplomatique.fr/mav/160/MEKKI/58915|title=En Tunisie, une loi contre le cannabis et la jeunesse|first=Thameur|last=Mekki|date=1 August 2018|website=Le Monde diplomatique|access-date=1 November 2020|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610052544/https://www.monde-diplomatique.fr/mav/160/MEKKI/58915|url-status=live}}

File:Defense.gov News Photo 001007-D-9880W-047.jpg is welcomed by Ben Ali at the Presidential Palace in Tunis, in 2000.]]

At the 1994 elections, opposition parties polled 2.25% and gained 19 of 163 seats in Parliament—the first-time opposition parties had actually managed to get into the chamber. Ben Ali was unopposed for a second full term, again after being the only candidate to get enough endorsements to qualify. Turnout was officially reported at 95%.{{cite web|title=Arab Parliaments: Tunisia|publisher=United Nations Development Department|year=2010|url=http://www.arabparliaments.org/countries/country.asp?cid=20|access-date=14 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811225719/http://www.arabparliaments.org/countries/country.asp?cid=20|archive-date=11 August 2010}} However, at this and subsequent elections, opposition parties never accounted for more than 24 percent of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies. All legislation continued to originate with the president, and there was little meaningful opposition to executive decisions.

In 1999, Ben Ali became the first Tunisian president to actually face an opponent after the 30-signature requirement was lifted a few months earlier. However, he won a third full term with an implausible 99.4 percent of the vote.

A constitutional referendum in 2002—the first ever held in Tunisia—established a two-chambered parliament, creating the Chamber of Advisers. It also allowed the president to run for an unlimited number of five-year terms and amended the upper age limit for a presidential candidate to 75 years old (previously 70). The latter measures were clearly aimed at keeping Ben Ali in office; he faced having to give up the presidency in 2004.{{cite web|title=Tunisia Votes on Reforms|publisher=DPEPA/UNDESA|date=May 2002|url=http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan003704.pdf|access-date=14 October 2010|archive-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221083556/http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan003704.pdf|url-status=dead}}[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2009011.stm "Win confirms Tunisia leader in power"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531154411/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2009011.stm |date=31 May 2009 }}, BBC News, 27 May 2002 He was duly reelected in 2004, again by an implausibly high margin—this time 94 percent of the vote.

File:Zine-al-Abidine-Ben-Ali.jpg

Tunisia under Ben Ali was known for its human rights violations such as lack of freedom of the press, highlighted by the official treatment of the journalist Taoufik Ben Brik, who was harassed and imprisoned for his criticism of Ben Ali.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2000/04/04/two-international-organizations-protest-ongoing-harassment-tunisian-journalist|title=Two International Organizations Protest Ongoing Harassment of Tunisian Journalist | Human Rights Watch|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=4 April 2000|access-date=14 January 2011|archive-date=18 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218093545/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2000/04/04/two-international-organizations-protest-ongoing-harassment-tunisian-journalist|url-status=live}} By the dawn of the new millennium, Ben Ali was reckoned as leading one of the most repressive regimes in the world. Under his rule, Tunisia consistently ranked near the bottom of most international rankings for human rights and press freedom.

On 25 October 2009, Ben Ali was re-elected for a fifth term with 89% of the vote.{{cite web|title=Tunisian Constitution|publisher=United Nations, Tunisian Government|year=2009|url=http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/cafrad/unpan004842.pdf|access-date=14 October 2010|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407174303/http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/cafrad/unpan004842.pdf|url-status=dead}} The African Union sent a team of observers to cover the election. The delegation was led by Benjamin Bounkoulou, who described the election as "free and fair".[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8325378.stm "Tunisian president in fifth win"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916063431/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8325378.stm |date=16 September 2023 }}, BBC News, 26 October 2009 However, a spokesperson from the US State Department indicated that Tunisia had not permitted monitoring of the election by international observers, but that the U.S. was still committed to working with the Ben Ali and the Tunisian government.[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339747/World-datelines.html World datelines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103010650/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339747/World-datelines.html |date=3 November 2009 }}, Deseret News, 27 October 2009 There also were reports of mistreatment of an opposition candidate.[http://www.menassat.com/?q=en/alerts/7221-opposition-leader-who-gave-tv-interview-paris-beaten-police-his-return Opposition leader who gave TV interview in Paris is beaten by police on his return] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019235016/http://www.menassat.com/?q=en%2Falerts%2F7221-opposition-leader-who-gave-tv-interview-paris-beaten-police-his-return |date=19 October 2017 }} Menassat, 1 October 2009

In December 2010 and January 2011, riots over unemployment escalated into a widespread popular protest movement against Ben Ali's government. On 13 January 2011, he announced he would not run for another term in 2014, and pledged steps to improve the economy and loosen restrictions on the press. The following day, however, thousands demonstrated in the center of Tunis, demanding Ben Ali's immediate resignation. On 14 January 2011, Ben Ali, his wife and children{{cite web|url=http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/2011/1/14/tunisia-liveblog-will-ben-alis-last-card-be-trumped.html#%3EEA|title=EA WorldView – Home – Tunisia LiveBlog: Will Ben Ali's "Last Card" Be Trumped?|website=www.enduringamerica.com|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627050914/http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/2011/1/14/tunisia-liveblog-will-ben-alis-last-card-be-trumped.html#%3EEA|url-status=live}} fled to Saudi Arabia, and a caretaker ruling committee headed by Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi was announced.

File:Powell Ben Ali.jpg meeting with Ben Ali on 17 February 2004]]

As president, Ben Ali instituted economic reforms that increased Tunisia's growth rate and foreign investment. During his administration, Tunisia's per capita GDP more than tripled from $1,201 in 1986 to $3,786 in 2008.[http://social.un.org/youthyear/docs/Labidi-Tunisian-Minister.pdf UNdata Record View Per Capita GDP at Current Prices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726094928/http://social.un.org/youthyear/docs/Labidi-Tunisian-Minister.pdf |date=26 July 2011 }} United Nations, 10 August 2010 Although growth in 2002 slowed to a 15-year low of 1.9% due to drought and lackluster tourism (partly due to some tourists being nervous about flying in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York), better conditions after 2003 helped push growth to about 5% of GDP. For about 20 years after 1987, the GDP annual growth averaged nearly 5%. A report published in July 2010 by the Boston Consulting Group (The African Challengers: Global Competitors Emerge from the Overlooked Continent) listed Tunisia as one of the African "Lions" and indicated the eight such countries account for 70% of the continent's gross domestic product.[http://www.bcg.com/documents/file44610.pdf The African Challengers: Global Competitors Emerge from the Overlooked Continent] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616154442/https://www.bcg.com/documents/file44610.pdf |date=16 June 2019 }} The Boston Consulting Group, June 2010

Steady increases in GDP growth continued through positive trade relations with the European Union, a revitalised tourism industry and sustained agricultural production. Privatization, increasing foreign investment, improvements in government efficiency and reduction of the trade deficit presented challenges for the future.[http://www.changement.tn/english/president-ben-ali/ben-ali-s-biography-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-president-of-the-tunisian-republic--2.html Ben Ali's biography: Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of the Tunisian Republic] at Changement.tn, 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021083832/http://www.changement.tn/english/president-ben-ali/ben-ali-s-biography-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-president-of-the-tunisian-republic--2.html |date=21 October 2010 }}[http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Tunisia Country Coverage Tunisia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108142754/http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Tunisia |date=8 November 2010 }} Oxford Business Group, 2010 The 2010/11 Global Competitiveness Report (Davos World Economic Forum) ranked Tunisia 1st in Africa and 32nd globally out of 139 countries{{cite web |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GlobalCompetitivenessReport_2010-11.pdf |title=Global Competitiveness Report |publisher=www3.weforum.org |date= |accessdate=7 July 2021 |archive-date=6 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206104835/http://www3.weforum.org//docs//WEF_GlobalCompetitivenessReport_2010-11.pdf |url-status=live }} but it dropped to 40th in 2011/12 as a result of political instability{{cite web |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GCR_Report_2011-12.pdf |title=GCR Report |publisher=www3.weforum.org |date= |accessdate=7 July 2021 |archive-date=1 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701161530/http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GCR_Report_2011-12.pdf |url-status=live }} and was not ranked in 2012/13.{{cite web |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/CSI/2012-13/GCR_Rankings_2012-13.pdf |title=Global Competitiveness Index, World Economic Forum |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-date=25 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325005948/http://www3.weforum.org/docs/CSI/2012-13/GCR_Rankings_2012-13.pdf |url-status=live }}

File:Ben Ali, Bush, February 18, 2004.jpg meets with Ben Ali in the Oval Office on 18 Feb 2004.]]

According to the Oxford Business Group, Tunisia's economy was likely to grow from 2008 thanks to its diversified industries.[http://data.worldbank.org/country/tunisia Tunisia: Data] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021160655/http://data.worldbank.org//country//tunisia |date=21 October 2010 }} The World Bank, 2008[https://web.archive.org/web/20070613003340/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2046.html Field Listing: Population Below Poverty Line] CIA, The World Fact Book, 2005

Committed to fighting poverty at home, Ben Ali instituted reforms, including the National Solidarity Fund, which slashed the Tunisian poverty rate from 7.4% in 1990 to an estimated 3.8% in 2005.[http://www.26-26.org/eng/index1.html National Solidarity Fund] 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325235507/http://www.26-26.org/eng/index1.html |date=25 March 2012 }} The National Solidarity Fund was part of a dual strategy to fight current and potential terrorism through economic assistance, development and the rule of law, but also increased opportunities for corruption and clientelism.{{cite journal|last1=Tsourapas|first1=Gerasimos|title=The Other Side of a Neoliberal Miracle: Economic Reform and Political De-Liberalization in Ben Ali's Tunisia|journal=Mediterranean Politics|date=2013|volume=18|issue=1|pages=23–41|doi=10.1080/13629395.2012.761475|s2cid=154822868}} The fund provided opportunities to those living in impoverished areas and are vulnerable to recruitment by terrorists. It was a critical element in the fight against terrorism.[http://www.iss.org.za/pgcontent.php?UID=19718 Terrorism in Tunisia] Institute for Security Studies, 1 June 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720185558/http://www.iss.org.za/pgcontent.php?UID=19718 |date=20 July 2011 }}

However, Tunisia continued to suffer from high unemployment, especially among youth. Left out of the recent prosperity were many rural and urban poor, including small businesses facing the world market. This and the blocking of free speech were the causes of the Tunisian revolution.{{Citation needed|reason=Not sourced and could be disputed.|date=December 2024}}

File:Defense.gov News Photo 060211-N-0696M-533.jpg

During Ben Ali's presidency, Tunisia pursued a moderate foreign policy promoting peaceful settlement of conflicts. Tunisia took a middle of the road approach contributing to peacemaking, especially in the Middle East and Africa. Tunisia hosted the first-ever Palestinian American dialogue. While contributing actively to the Middle East peace process, Tunisian diplomacy has supported the Palestinian cause. As host to the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1982–1993, Ben Ali's government tried to moderate the views of that organisation.[http://www.meforum.org/107/the-tunisian-model "The Tunisian Model"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125190622/https://www.meforum.org/107/the-tunisian-model |date=25 January 2021 }} by Jerry Sorkin, Middle East Quarterly (Fall 2001) Tunisia, since the early 1990s, called for a "concerted" international effort against terrorism. It was also a key US partner in the effort to fight global terrorism through the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Initiative.[http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Tunisia/2007 The Report: Tunisia 2007: Country Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003043757/http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Tunisia/2007 |date=3 October 2011 }} Oxford Business Group, 2007

Ben Ali mostly retained his predecessor's pro-western foreign policy, though he improved ties with the Arab and Muslim world. He took several initiatives to promote solidarity, dialogue and cooperation among nations. Ben Ali initiated the creation of the United Nations World Solidarity Fund to eradicate poverty and promote social development based on the successful experience of the Tunisian National Solidarity Fund.[http://www.wrmea.org/component/content/article/273-2005-april/8559-special-report-tunisias-president-ben-ali-seeks-solidarity-in-fight-to-end-poverty.html Tunisia's President Ben Ali Seeks Solidarity in Fight to End Poverty] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726114107/http://www.wrmea.org/component/content/article/273-2005-april/8559-special-report-tunisias-president-ben-ali-seeks-solidarity-in-fight-to-end-poverty.html |date=26 July 2011 }} Delinda C. Hanley, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, April 2005[https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/ecosoc6072.doc.htm ECOSOC Endorses Decision to Establish World Solidarity Fund to Eradicate Poverty and Promote Social Development] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925042722/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/ecosoc6072.doc.htm |date=25 September 2013 }} United Nations, 2003 Ben Ali also played a lead role in the UN's proclaiming 2010 as the International Year of Youth.[http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?q=tunisia&d=SNAAMA&f=grID:101;currID:USD;pcFlag:1;crID:788 Address by Mr. Samir Labidi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003095820/http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?q=tunisia&d=SNAAMA&f=grID:101;currID:USD;pcFlag:1;crID:788 |date=3 October 2011 }} United Nations, 2008

File:Le Maghreb réagit à la Révolution Tunisienne 01 (5367267064).jpg

Ben Ali's government was considered to have one of the worst human rights records in the world. It largely bucked the trend toward greater democracy in Africa. The level of repression became particularly severe during what would be the last decade of his rule. Ben Ali's government was deemed dictatorial, authoritarian and undemocratic by international human rights groups such as Amnesty International, Freedom House, and Protection International. They criticised Tunisian officials for not observing international standards of political rights{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/region/tunisia |title=Tunisia | Amnesty International |publisher=Amnesty.org |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-date=9 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509172440/http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/tunisia |url-status=dead }}Freedom in the World (report)[http://www.protectionline.org/Kamel-Jendoubi-Sihem-Bensedrine.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429093617/http://www.protectionline.org/Kamel-Jendoubi-Sihem-Bensedrine.html|date=29 April 2011}} and interfering with the work of local human rights organisations.{{cite web |url=http://www.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/053/article_27950.asp |title=Tunisie – Droits de l'Homme : après le harcèlement, l'asphyxie |publisher=Rfi.fr |date=16 December 2004 |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-date=5 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505125306/http://www.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/053/article_27950.asp |url-status=live }} In The Economist{{'}}s 2010 Democracy Index, Tunisia was classified as an authoritarian regime, ranking 144th out of 167 countries studied. In 2008, in terms of freedom of the press, Tunisia was ranked 143 out of 173.{{cite web |url=http://www.rsf.org/Dans-le-monde-de-l-apres-11.html |title=Dans le monde de l'après-11 septembre, seule la paix protège les libertés – Reporters sans frontières |publisher=Rsf.org |access-date=31 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408101144/http://www.rsf.org/Dans-le-monde-de-l-apres-11.html |archive-date=8 April 2010}}[https://www.ifex.org/download/en/FreedomofExpressionunderSiege.doc] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002140155/https://www.ifex.org/download/en/FreedomofExpressionunderSiege.doc|date=2 October 2006}}

{{Main|Tunisian Revolution}}

File:Tunisia-13-fuck Ben Ali (6493874309).jpg

In response to the protests, Ben Ali declared a state of emergency, dissolved the government on 14 January 2011, and promised new legislative elections within six months. However, events moved quickly, and it appears the armed forces and key members of the legislature had lost confidence in Ben Ali and had decided to take steps of their own. With power slipping from Ben Ali's grasp, prime minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announced that he would act as head of state during the president's "temporary" absence. With the army surrounding the Presidential Palace in Tunis, Ben Ali and close members of his family hastily left and headed to Laouina airport (annexed to the Tunis–Carthage International Airport). The military allowed Ben Ali's plane to take off, immediately after which the Tunisian airspace was closed. The presidential plane then left for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Subsequent reports in the media rumoured that Ben Ali was seeking protection in either France or Malta, although a Tunisian pilot who was involved in the arrangement of the flight stated that the plan was "to fly directly to Jeddah", which is also supported by recordings released by the BBC in 2022.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2017 |title=Flight of the dictator: The pilot who flew Tunisia's Ben Ali into exile |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/features/flight-dictator-pilot-who-flew-tunisias-ben-ali-exile |access-date=6 March 2023 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706210326/https://www.middleeasteye.net/features/flight-dictator-pilot-who-flew-tunisias-ben-ali-exile |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Nader|first=Emir|title=Secret audio sheds light on toppled dictator's frantic last hours|website=BBC News Arabic|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59972545/|access-date=14 January 2022|archive-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114004730/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59972545|url-status=live}} Ben Ali and his family were accepted by King Abdullah to live in Saudi Arabia under the condition that he should keep out of politics. Ben Ali and his family went to exile in Jeddah, the same city where Idi Amin, the late dictator of Uganda, lived in exile until his death in 2003 after being removed from power in 1979 at the end of the Uganda–Tanzania War.{{cite journal|last=Edwards|first=Alex|title=Understanding Dictators|journal=The Majalla|date=July–August 2012|volume=1574|pages=32–37|url=http://www.majalla.com/eng/print-edition-pdf/al-majalla-issue-1574.pdf|access-date=4 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730044241/http://www.majalla.com/eng/print-edition-pdf/al-majalla-issue-1574.pdf|archive-date=30 July 2013}}

Other close associates and family members who attempted to leave the country via Tunis-Carthage were prevented from doing so by the army, which had seized the airport.{{cite news |title=Tunisia: President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali forced out |date=14 January 2011 |newspaper=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12195025 |access-date=15 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115053136/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12195025 |archive-date=15 January 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Tunisian leader flees amid protests, PM takes over |first1=Elaine |last1=Ganley |first2=Angela |last2=Charlton |first3=Jamey |last3=Keaten |first4=Hadeel |last4=Al-Shalchi |url=http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/tunisian-pm-assumes-power-802911.html |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |issn=1539-7459 |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=14 January 2011 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

File:Tunisia Unrest - VOA - Tunis 14 Jan 2011 (3).jpg]]

At about 18:00, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi went on state television to say "Since the president is temporarily unable to exercise his duties, it has been decided that the prime minister will temporarily exercise the (presidential) duties."{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/201111513513854222.html|title=Tunisia Swears in Interim Leader|newspaper=Al Jazeera|date=16 January 2011|access-date=30 January 2011|archive-date=28 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128210035/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/201111513513854222.html|url-status=live}}

However, this arrangement was very short-lived, because early the following day (15 January 2011), the Constitutional Council of Tunisia determined that Ben Ali was not "temporarily unable" to exercise his duties and that the presidency was in fact vacant. The arrangements he had made with the Prime Minister before leaving the country were found to be unconstitutional under article 57 of the constitution. The country's constitutional council, at the time the highest legal authority on constitutional matters, announced the transition saying that Fouad Mebazaa, the Speaker of Parliament, had been appointed acting president.

Mebazaa took the oath in his office in parliament, swearing to respect the constitution in the presence of his senate counterpart, Abdallal Kallel, and representatives of both houses. It was also announced that the speaker of parliament would occupy the post of president temporarily and that elections would be held within a period of between 45 and 60 days.

On 26 January 2011, the Tunisian government issued an international arrest warrant for Ben Ali, accusing him of taking money out of the nation illegally and illegally acquiring real estate and other assets abroad, Justice Minister Lazhar Karoui Chebbi said.{{cite web|url=http://apnews.myway.com//article/20110126/D9L05U980.html|title=Tunisia issues intl warrant for ousted president|publisher=Apnews.myway.com|access-date=30 January 2011|archive-date=21 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621044155/http://apnews.myway.com//article/20110126/D9L05U980.html|url-status=live}} Videos show that the president stashed cash and jewellery in the president's palace. The gold and jewellery will be redistributed to the people by the government.{{cite news|title=Ousted Tunisian president 'stashed' cash|url=http://www.euronews.net/|date=20 February 2011|work=Euro News|access-date=10 April 2011|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506181712/http://www.euronews.net/|url-status=dead}} The Swiss government announced that it was freezing millions of dollars held in bank accounts by his family.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/world/africa/27tunisia.html|title=As Protests Mount, Tunisia Delays Cabinet Reshuffle|first=David D.|last=Kirkpatrick|newspaper=The New York Times|date=26 January 2011|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118124401/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/world/africa/27tunisia.html|url-status=live}} On 28 January 2011, Interpol issued an arrest warrant for Ben Ali and his six family members, including his wife Leïla.{{cite news|title=Interpol pursues toppled president|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/interpol-pursues-toppled-president-20110127-1a6vx.html|date=28 January 2011|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=20 February 2020|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125142725/https://www.smh.com.au/world/interpol-pursues-toppled-president-20110127-1a6vx.html|url-status=live}}

After Ben Ali fled Tunisia following the Tunisian revolution, he and his wife were tried in absentia for his suspected involvement in some of the country's largest businesses during his 23-year-long reign.{{cite news|title=Ben Ali sentenced to 35 years in jail|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jun/20/ben-ali-sentenced-35-years-jail|date=20 June 2011|author=Jo Adetunji|location=London|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407210633/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jun/20/ben-ali-sentenced-35-years-jail|url-status=live}} On 20 June 2011, Ben Ali and his wife were sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of theft and unlawful possession of cash and jewelry.{{cite news|title=Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Former Tunisian President, Sentenced To 35 Years in Jail For Theft, Unlawful Cash And Jewelry Possession|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/20/zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-former-tunisia-president-jail-sentence-_n_880696.html|date=20 June 2011|newspaper=Huffington Post|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020000128/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/20/zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-former-tunisia-president-jail-sentence-_n_880696.html|url-status=live}} The verdict also included a penalty of 91 million Tunisian dinars (approximately €50 million, and $64 million) that Ben Ali was required to pay. This verdict was dismissed as a "charade" by some Tunisians dissatisfied with the trial and as a "joke" by Ben Ali's lawyer.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hPMKd1Md9Wu-iLN7WylLLoqeVxRA?docId=CNG.9a529bd9225705d57efe330623713dcd.391|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124180008/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hPMKd1Md9Wu-iLN7WylLLoqeVxRA?docId=CNG.9a529bd9225705d57efe330623713dcd.391|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 January 2013|title=Tunisians dissatisfied with quick Ben Ali verdict|agency=Agence France-Presse}} The sentences were to take immediate effect, although Ben Ali and his wife were living in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government ignored Tunisia's requests to extradite them.

In November 2016, Ben Ali made a statement via the office of his lawyer, Mounir Ben Salha, acknowledging his regime made "errors, abuses and violations".{{Cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20161118-anger-tears-tunisians-relive-torture-years|title=Ben Ali: My regime 'committed errors, abuses and violations'|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119141427/http://www.france24.com/en/20161118-anger-tears-tunisians-relive-torture-years|archive-date=19 November 2016}} His statement came as a reaction to the public hearing sessions made by the Truth and Dignity Commission in Tunisia.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

File:Tunisian first lady Leila Ben Ali (close-up).jpg]]

Ben Ali and his family were accused of corruption,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/world/africa/14tunisia.html?_r=2&hp|work=The New York Times|first=David D.|last=Kirkpatrick|title=Tunisia Leader Shaken as Riots Hit Hamlet of Hammamet|date=13 January 2011|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=16 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116101428/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/world/africa/14tunisia.html?_r=2&hp|url-status=live}} which was a major contribution to the Tunisian Revolution which led to the fall of his government. Many of Ben Ali's family members subsequently also fled the country. On 20 January 2011, Tunisian television reported that 33 members of Ben Ali's family had been arrested in the past week, as they tried to flee the country.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12233850|title=Ousted Tunisian leader Ben Ali's family arrested|publisher=BBC News|date=20 January 2011|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120084800/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12233850|url-status=live}}

Leïla Ben Ali was the chair of the BASMA Association, a group that promotes social integration and provides employment opportunities for the disabled.{{cite web|title=BASMA Association for the Promotion of Employment of Disabled Persons |publisher=BASMA Association |year=2010 |url=http://www.basma.org.tn/publish/content/default.asp?Lang=en |access-date=14 October 2010 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} She was also the president of the Arab Women Organization, which works to empower women in Arab states.{{cite web|title=First Lady Leila Ben Ali: Activities of the AWO Presidency|publisher=Arab Women Organization|year=2009|url=http://www.awo-presidency.tn/en|access-date=14 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021201147/http://www.awo-presidency.tn/en/|archive-date=21 October 2010}} She has three children: Nesrine, Halima and Mohamed Zine El Abidine. Ben Ali had three daughters from his first marriage: Ghazwa, Dorsaf and Cyrine.

On 17 February 2011, it was reported that Ben Ali had suffered a stroke, and had been hospitalised for an indefinite period.{{cite news|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/02/17/ben-ali-serait-dans-le-coma_1481251_3218.html#xtor=RSS-3208|title=Ben Ali in a coma|work=Le Monde|language=fr|date=17 February 2011|access-date=17 February 2011|archive-date=19 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219122337/http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/02/17/ben-ali-serait-dans-le-coma_1481251_3218.html#xtor=RSS-3208|url-status=live}} Al Jazeera reported that a Saudi source had confirmed that Ben Ali had indeed sustained severe complications of a stroke and that he was in critical condition.Aljazeera Satellite Channel, Newshour, 17 February 2011 The information has never been confirmed or denied by the Saudi government. However, on 17 June 2011, Ben Ali's attorney, Jean-Yves Leborgne, stated that Ben Ali "is not in the state that he's said to be in" and that "a meeting with his client took place under 'normal circumstances'".{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/06/17/general-ml-tunisia-president_8521809.html|title=Forbes.com|website=Forbes}}{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Ben Ali died at a hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, due to prostate cancer on 19 September 2019 at the age of 83.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/19/world/middleeast/tunisia-ben-ali-dead.html|title=Tunisia's Ben Ali, Autocrat Who Inspired Arab Spring Revolts, Dies in Exile|first1=Ben|last1=Hubbard|first2=Rick|last2=Gladstone|newspaper=The New York Times|date=19 September 2019|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=23 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923022306/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/19/world/middleeast/tunisia-ben-ali-dead.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/19/lawyer-tunisias-toppled-ruler-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-dies.html|title=Lawyer: Tunisia's toppled ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali dies|date=19 September 2019|website=CNBC|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=21 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921004310/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/19/lawyer-tunisias-toppled-ruler-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-dies.html|url-status=live}} He was buried on 21 September at the Al-Baqi Cemetery in Medina.{{cite news |date=21 September 2019 |title=Tunisia ex-president Ben Ali buried in Muslim holy city of Medina |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190921-tunisia-ben-ali-buried-muslim-holy-city-medina |work=France 24}}

{{Portal|Africa|Politics}}

• 18 October Coalition for Rights and Freedoms

• Grand Master of the Order of Independence
• Grand Master of the Order of the Republic
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• Grand Master of the Order of the Seventh of November

• {{flag|Argentina}}: Grand Cross of Order of the Liberator General San Martín (1997)
• {{Flag|Austria}} : Grand Star of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (2003){{cite web|url=http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXIV/AB/AB_10542/imfname_251156.pdf|title=Reply to a parliamentary question about the Decoration of Honour|language=de|page=1586|access-date=1 November 2012|archive-date=22 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522081548/https://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXIV/AB/AB_10542/imfname_251156.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Egypt}} : Collar of the Order of the Nile (1990)
• {{Flag|France}} : Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honour (1989){{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/france-monde/2018/04/21/ces-malfaisants-qui-ont-eu-la-legion-d-honneur|title=Ces Légions d'honneur controversées|access-date=1 April 2018|archive-date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421115557/https://www.ledauphine.com/france-monde/2018/04/21/ces-malfaisants-qui-ont-eu-la-legion-d-honneur|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Japan}} : Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum (1996){{cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/visiting-tunisian-president-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-and-news-photo/108216075?language=fr|title=Visiting Tunisian President Zine El-Abid|date=21 January 2011 |access-date=1 April 2018|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902082224/https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/visiting-tunisian-president-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-and-news-photo/108216075?language=fr|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Libya|1977}} : Collar of the Order of the Grand Conqueror (1992)
• {{Flag|Malta}} : Honorary Companions of Honour with Collar of the National Order of Merit (Malta) (2005){{cite web |url=http://opm.gov.mt/en/Documents/Past%20recipients%20of%20Honorary%20honours_awards.pdf |title=Past Recipients of Honorary Membership in Maltese Honours and Awards and Date of Conferment |access-date=1 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304212501/http://opm.gov.mt/en/Documents/Past%20recipients%20of%20Honorary%20honours_awards.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}
• {{Flag|Monaco}} : Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles (7 September 2006)Nomination by [http://www.legimonaco.mc/Dataweb/jourmon.nsf/100ab120e52ceb84c12568ce002f2909/839da30e75b7d72ec12571e3002e07f6!OpenDocument Sovereign Ordonnance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609045127/http://www.legimonaco.mc/Dataweb/jourmon.nsf/100ab120e52ceb84c12568ce002f2909/839da30e75b7d72ec12571e3002e07f6!OpenDocument |date=9 June 2013 }} (French)
• {{Flag|Morocco}} : Grand Cross of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite (1987)
• {{flag|Palestine}}: Grand Collar of the State of Palestine (1996)
• {{flag|Portugal}}: Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (1995){{cite web|url=https://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154&list=1|title=Estrangeiros com Ordens Portuguesas|date=2 October 1995|access-date=2 September 2022|archive-date=28 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428204450/http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154&list=1|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Romania}} : Collar of the Order of the Star of Romania (2003){{cite web|url=https://canord.presidency.ro/|title=Cancelaria Ordinelor|website=canord.presidency.ro|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331072719/https://canord.presidency.ro/|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|South Africa}} : Grand Cross of the Order of Good Hope (5 April 1995){{cite web|url=http://www.mandela.gov.za/mandela_speeches/1995/950405_tunisia.htm|title=Nelson Mandela – Speeches – Address by President Nelson Mandela at a banquet in honour of President Ben Ali of Tunisia|website=www.mandela.gov.za|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=19 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919075025/http://www.mandela.gov.za/mandela_speeches/1995/950405_tunisia.htm|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Spain}} : Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (25 May 1991){{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-1991-13147|title=BOE.es – Documento BOE-A-1991-13147|website=www.boe.es|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=5 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205044202/https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-1991-13147|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

{{sister project links|c=Category:Zine El Abidine Ben Ali|d=yes|q=yes|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|s=no|species=no}}

• {{C-SPAN|86217}}
• {{Aljazeeratopic|person/ben-ali}}
• {{Guardian topic}}
• {{NYTtopic|people/b/zine_elabidine_ben_ali|Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali}}
• [http://allafrica.com/stories/200701310594.html Tunisia: President Ben Ali stresses need to intensify cooperation to combat terrorism]
• [https://www.un.org/ffd/statements/tunisiaE.htm Call by Ben Ali to establish 'World Solidarity Fund'] UN Website

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