In December 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi, a young fruit vendor in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, faced repeated harassment and humiliation from local police while attempting to earn a living. Frustrated and desperate after having his cart confiscated and being insulted, he publicly set himself on fire on December 17, 2010. Bouazizi's act of self-immolation captured the attention of a nation and became a rallying cry for those disillusioned with the regime led by Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who had been in power since 1987. The act was not only about Bouazizi's personal grievances but resonated with the struggles of ordinary Tunisians who suffered under high unemployment, government corruption, and a lack of civil liberties.

In the days following his tragic death, protests erupted across Tunisia, initially localized in Sidi Bouzid but quickly spreading to other cities. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of President Ben Ali, leading to escalating tensions as public outcry intensified. The Tunisian security forces responded with violence, resulting in numerous casualties. Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing and organizing the protests, allowing voices of dissent to reach a broader audience. The demonstrations showcased a collective yearning for change and justice among the populace.

Bouazizi's act thus became a pivotal turning point, igniting what would later be known as the Arab Spring, a wave of protests and uprisings across the Arab world. His legacy extends beyond Tunisia as it inspired movements in countries like Egypt, Libya, and Syria. Bouazizi became a symbol of resistance, embodying the struggle against oppression and igniting a fire of revolutionary fervor across the region.