Pandemonium erupted in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia as opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi, 58, was shot dead outside his home, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

According to sources, protesters have gathered in Tunis and in Mr Brahmi's hometown, Sidi Bouzid, calling for the government to resign. Tunisia largest labour union has announced a general strike for Friday.

It was gathered from officials of Movement of the People party which the deceased belonged to,  that gunmen on a motorbike shot Mr Brahmi in his car in front of his wife and daughter on Thursday morning. The assailants, it was reported, fired 11 bullets at the politician.

Although, the people behind the attack are yet unknown, family of Mr Brahmi has accused the governing Islamist Ennahda party of being behind the killing, even though the party had earlier expressed sadness and shock at the attack described as “cowardly and despicable crime.”  

Angry Tunisians joined Mr Brahmi's wife, Mbarka, and her daughter Belkis were joined outside the hospital in Tunis where the politician died. People also gathered at the Ministry of Interior in the capital to register their protest. Many demonstrators have reportedly blocked roads and set tyres alight at Sidi Bouzid, the birthplace of the deceased.  

The killing coincides with Tunisia 56^th Independence anniversary after gaining independence from France.