Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali who died on Thursday in Saudi Arabia was buried on Saturday in the city of Medina.

Ben Ali who ruled the North African country from some 22 years had been living in self-exile in Saudi Arabia since January 2011 when he was ousted by a revolution.

The former leader’s death came just days after Tunisia held its second free presidential election.

Initially hailed for bringing economic growth and Tourism to Tunisia, Ben Ali’s popularity dwindled over the years as he became more known for political intolerance.

The later stages of his rule were marred with public disapproval, which culminated in the popular uprising that forced him out of office.

The Tunisian revolution is believed to have inspired other uprisings in North Africa – now known as the Arab Spring. Egyptians and Libyans followed suit and rose up against their own leaders. In February 2011, Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stepped down, with Libya’s then president Muammar Gaddafi ousted and killed by rebels in October the same year.