Former Tunisian President Rejects "Arab Spring" Term, Favors "Arab Volcanoes"

Moncef Marzouki, the former president of Tunisia, has rejected the widely used term "Arab Spring" to describe the uprisings that swept across the Arab world in the early 2010s. Instead, he prefers the phrase "Arab volcanoes" to emphasize the potential for eruption in today's society, particularly among the youth.

In a recent episode of the television program Centre Stage, Marzouki expressed his belief that the Arab Spring has been a failure "everywhere." As Tunisia's first president following the uprisings, Marzouki brings a unique perspective to the discussion.

Why this matters: Marzouki's rejection of the "Arab Spring" term and his warning about potential societal eruptions highlight the ongoing challenges and instability in the Arab world. His perspective emphasizes the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of unrest and promote sustainable political and economic reforms.

Drawing on his background as a medical doctor, Marzouki explained how his experiences have shaped his political career. He emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying factors that contribute to social and political upheaval.

The episode also touched on the United Nations' recent report on the alarming surge in conflict-related sexual violence globally. The report revealed a staggering 50% increase in such violence in 2023 compared to the previous year, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable populations.

Marzouki's comments come at a time when many countries in the Arab world continue to confront the aftermath of the uprisings and the challenges of building stable, democratic societies. "The potential for eruption, especially among the youth, remains a pressing concern," Marzouki warned, urging leaders to address the aspirations and grievances of their citizens.

Key Takeaways

• Marzouki rejects "Arab Spring," prefers "Arab volcanoes" to describe uprisings.
• Marzouki sees Arab Spring as a failure, warns of potential societal eruptions.
• Marzouki emphasizes need to address root causes of unrest and promote reforms.
• UN report shows 50% surge in conflict-related sexual violence globally in 2023.
• Marzouki urges leaders to address aspirations and grievances of their citizens.