Tens of thousands of secularists called for the departure of the Islamist-led ruling coalition, Ennahda, in Tunis on 13 August. Another rally was held by Islamists supporting the ruling party in the Tunisian capital on the same day, but no clashes erupted.

A day after the protests, Hamadi Jebali, secretary-general of Ennahda, said he supports the formation of a non-partisan cabinet to lead the country to elections in six months’ time.

Street demonstrations have been taking place in the country since the end of July, following the assassination of opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi, leader of the Popular Movement party. Earlier this year, secular opposition leader Chokri Belaid was also killed.