Thursday, 19 September 2024
Thursday, 19 September 2024
August 2024: Sheikh Hasina resigns after violent protests
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following violent protests that started over a job quota system. On Monday, protesters stormed her official residence in Dhaka, leading to chaotic scenes and reports of looting. Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed an interim government would take over and pledged to investigate the crackdown on student protesters that killed hundreds of people, mostly young students. "We will investigate all the killings and punish the responsible," he said in a press conference. The protests began in late June, with clashes resulting in around 440 deaths so far.
2022: Sri Lanka’s Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns amid economic crisis
In Sri Lanka, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced to leave his official residence in July 2022 amid massive protests driven by the country's worst economic crisis in decades. Protesters stormed his house, demanding his resignation as the nation faced severe blackouts, food and fuel shortages and skyrocketing inflation. Sri Lanka defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt in 2022, worsening the crisis and leading to months of unrest. The International Monetary Fund later provided a $2.9 billion bailout, which included austerity measures.
2017: Robert Mugabe resigns under military pressure
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe resigned on November 21, 2017, after military intervention and mass protests against his rule. Mugabe's resignation ended his 37-year tenure as President. The military takeover and public demonstrations were driven by frustration with Mugabe's leadership and economic mismanagement.
2018: Serzh Sargsyan steps down after Armenian protests
In Armenia, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned on April 23, 2018, after 11 days of mass protests. Opposition supporters accused Sargsyan of usurping power after a decade as president. The protests, followed by significant public and military participation, ultimately forced Sargsyan's unexpected resignation. "The street movement is against my tenure. I am fulfilling your demand," he announced.
2013: Boyko Borisov resigns as Bulgaria protests high bills
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov resigned in February 2013 after nationwide protests over high electricity bills and austerity measures. The protests, which began over electricity prices, expanded to broader discontent with government corruption and economic hardship. Demonstrators demanded Borisov's resignation, chanting "Mafia" and "Resign." The resignation showcased widespread frustration with Bulgaria's political and economic situation.
2011: Hosni Mubarak resigns after Egypt protests
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak resigned on February 11, 2011, after 18 days of mass protests demanding his ouster. Vice-President Omar Suleiman announced Mubarak's decision to step down and transfer power to the military. The announcement led to celebrations in Cairo's Tahrir Square, where thousands had gathered. The protests were part of a broader movement against Mubarak's three-decade rule, followed by demands for political reform and economic justice.
2011: Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali flees Tunisia amid protests
Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali stepped down on January 15, 2011, amid widespread protests over economic issues and corruption. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi assumed the role of interim president, and a state of emergency was declared. Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia with his family after France denied his plane landing rights. The protests, driven by high unemployment and rising food prices, led to significant unrest and ultimately forced Ben Ali to relinquish power.
2009: Geir Haarde Resigns amid Iceland's banking crisis
Iceland's Prime Minister Geir Haarde resigned on January 27, 2009, following the collapse of the country's banking system and currency. Haarde's government faced violent protests over its handling of the economic crisis. Initially, Haarde planned to stay in office until early elections, but the demand for immediate resignation from coalition partners led to the government's collapse. Haarde accepted the governmental crisis, exacerbating the already dire economic situation.
2006: Protests force King Gyanendra to leave Nepal
Eighteen years before Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh, mass protests in Nepal led to King Gyanendra Shah being removed from power. The protests and mass rallies were highly driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the monarchy system and the political scenario of the country.
2005: Lebanon’s PM Omar Karami resigns after protests over ex-PM’s assassination
Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karami resigned in February 2005 following mass protests over the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri. Karami announced his resignation to prevent the government from becoming an obstacle to the country's well-being. The resignation came during a parliamentary debate on a no-confidence measure. The protests, which called for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, were a direct response to Hariri's death, which many blamed on Syria or its supporters.
