Summary:

On 26 November 2024, clashes erupted between police and residents in the city of M’saken, Sousse after a fatal motorcycle accident following a police chase. 

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After the accident, protesters burned tires to block the main road leading to Sousse and set fire to a police vehicle. Young people also spread videos on social media framing the accident as being in a similar vein as previous incidents of police violence causing fatalities. 

Police reacted by launching tear gas, evacuating coffee shops and dispersing gatherings while also arresting some suspects. 

The Court of Sousse later refuted any link between the accident and a police pursuit, stating that the driver of the car that caused the accident was arrested.  

The public court ordered the opening of investigations against any responsible for spreading rumors and leveraging the accident to create disorder.  

Outlook: 

The incident points to the deteriorated relationship between the police and Tunisia’s young people as many residents continue to claim that the court statements regarding the incident are part of an effort to manipulate public opinion.  

Recent efforts by police to arrest drug dealers in the region around Sousse have disrupted the illicit drug market and relationships among dealers and consumers which, in turn, may have contributed to significant collective against police following the vehicle accident.  

The incident also highlights the impact and influence of rumors circulating on social media and causing public disorder which will likely continue to contribute to skepticism among residents toward the government and its representatives. 

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