Hundreds of Tunisians marched through the capital city of Tunis on Saturday to protest the severe environmental crisis caused by pollution from a state chemical plant in Gabes.
The protests, which began in Gabes, have now spread outside the southern city, with demonstrators carrying banners and chanting slogans in solidarity with the residents of Gabes.
They are calling for the polluting facilities to be permanently shut and relocated, rejecting the government’s proposed fixes as temporary.
The protests highlight the growing public frustration over the government’s handling of pollution and the worsening state of public services, marking the biggest challenge to President Kais Saied since he seized power in 2021.
Residents of Gabes have reported rising rates of respiratory illnesses, osteoporosis, and cancer, which they blame on toxic gases from the state chemical group’s phosphate plants.
These plants dump thousands of tons of waste into the sea daily, severely damaging marine life and threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen.
The situation in Gabes has been described by President Saied as an “environmental assassination,” with the government blaming previous administrations for the crisis.
Despite promises of repairs and the construction of a cancer hospital, protesters remain unconvinced, demanding more substantial action to address the pollution crisis.
The protests also underscore the deepening pressure on Saied’s administration as it struggles with a prolonged economic downturn and political instability. With the people of Gabes determined to escalate their peaceful protests, the situation is set to remain volatile.
