Hundreds Protest in Tunisia's Capital Over Worsening Pollution Crisis
Protesters demand action over pollution from state chemical plant in Gabes, as environmental concerns grow.
TUNIS: Hundreds of Tunisians marched through the capital Tunis on Saturday to protest a severe environmental crisis caused by pollution from a state chemical plant in Gabes.
This marks the latest development in ongoing demonstrations that highlight growing public frustration with the government's handling of pollution and public services, posing a significant challenge to President Kais Saied since he consolidated power in 2021.
The protests have gained momentum as residents of Gabes report rising rates of respiratory illnesses, osteoporosis, and cancer, attributing these conditions to toxic gases emitted by state chemical group's phosphate plants.
These facilities are known for dumping thousands of tons of waste into the sea daily.
This month, the demonstrations in Gabes were triggered after dozens of schoolchildren experienced breathing difficulties due to toxic fumes from a plant that processes phosphates into phosphoric acid and fertilizers.
Protesters in Tunis carried banners and chanted slogans in solidarity with the residents of Gabes, characterizing the authorities' response as 'repression.' The government has arrested individuals for violence.
Hani Faraj, a protester associated with the 'Stop Pollution' campaign, stated, "It's that simple, the people of Gabes want to breathe.
Gabes is dying slowly...
We will not remain silent.
We will escalate our peaceful protests".
Saied's administration fears that protests in the capital could incite unrest across Tunisia, exacerbating pressures from a prolonged economic downturn and political instability.
Saied has referred to the situation in Gabes as an "environmental assassination," attributing blame to criminal policy choices of the previous government.
In response to the mounting pressure, Saied has called for immediate repairs to stop leaks at the industrial units.
Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani announced plans to build a cancer hospital in Gabes.
However, these measures have been rejected by protesters as temporary solutions.
Instead, they demand that the polluting facilities be permanently shut down and relocated.
Environmental groups highlight that daily discharges of industrial waste into the sea at Chatt Essalam severely harm marine life.
Over the past decade, local fishermen have reported a sharp decline in fish stocks, threatening an important source of income for many in the region.
This marks the latest development in ongoing demonstrations that highlight growing public frustration with the government's handling of pollution and public services, posing a significant challenge to President Kais Saied since he consolidated power in 2021.
The protests have gained momentum as residents of Gabes report rising rates of respiratory illnesses, osteoporosis, and cancer, attributing these conditions to toxic gases emitted by state chemical group's phosphate plants.
These facilities are known for dumping thousands of tons of waste into the sea daily.
This month, the demonstrations in Gabes were triggered after dozens of schoolchildren experienced breathing difficulties due to toxic fumes from a plant that processes phosphates into phosphoric acid and fertilizers.
Protesters in Tunis carried banners and chanted slogans in solidarity with the residents of Gabes, characterizing the authorities' response as 'repression.' The government has arrested individuals for violence.
Hani Faraj, a protester associated with the 'Stop Pollution' campaign, stated, "It's that simple, the people of Gabes want to breathe.
Gabes is dying slowly...
We will not remain silent.
We will escalate our peaceful protests".
Saied's administration fears that protests in the capital could incite unrest across Tunisia, exacerbating pressures from a prolonged economic downturn and political instability.
Saied has referred to the situation in Gabes as an "environmental assassination," attributing blame to criminal policy choices of the previous government.
In response to the mounting pressure, Saied has called for immediate repairs to stop leaks at the industrial units.
Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani announced plans to build a cancer hospital in Gabes.
However, these measures have been rejected by protesters as temporary solutions.
Instead, they demand that the polluting facilities be permanently shut down and relocated.
Environmental groups highlight that daily discharges of industrial waste into the sea at Chatt Essalam severely harm marine life.
Over the past decade, local fishermen have reported a sharp decline in fish stocks, threatening an important source of income for many in the region.
