The situation in Tunisia last month remains fluid. On 27 February, the long-standing prime minister, Mohamed Ghannouchi, stepped down. He had been in post since 1999 and had remained in power even after the flight of President Ben Ali. However, he came under pressure following continuing popular unrest and has been replaced by Béji Caïd Essebsi. He is 84 years old and was first a minister in 1965!

In addition, Jeune Afrique is reporting that the interim president, Fouad Mebazaa, has announced the election of a constituent national assembly on 24 July. The assembly will draw up a new constitution. The interim president seemed to be careful to emphasise that the assembly would be sovereign and would decide for itself what form of government there would be. However, the assembly is being discussed in the context of creating a second republic. So, major changes may be ahead.