Mass protests in Gabes, Tunisia condemn industrial pollution and demand the closure of the chemical complex
The environmental pollution crisis has once again taken center stage in the Tunisian city of Gabes, where thousands of protesters took to the streets on Wednesday, expressing their outrage over the worsening health and environmental crisis caused by emissions from the state-owned chemical complex, following a week of ongoing protests.
Thousands demonstrated in the streets of the city, where the black color worn by the protesters served as a silent expression of their grief and anger. Chants demanding an end to their suffering rose, including: "The people want the dismantling of the units" and "We want to live," in addition to the chant "Gabes is calling for help," reflecting the depth of the tragedy.
In a further escalation of anger, the march headed towards the Chott el Jerid area, the site of the industrial facilities of the chemical group, where hundreds of police officers were deployed to secure the site. Eyewitnesses reported that security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Protesters did not hesitate to express their determination, as one of them, Kheir Eddine Diba, clarified the goal of the march: "Today, our voice will be loud and clear until this crime stops immediately."
The protests were not limited to the city of Gabes, as another crowd gathered in the capital, Tunis, in a move aimed at expressing solidarity with the people of Gabes and demanding the government take urgent and decisive action.
The cause of the public outrage this month is attributed to repeated cases of suffocation experienced by dozens of schoolchildren in the Chott el Jerid area, located near the chemical complex specialized in phosphate processing.
Residents are facing a multifaceted health crisis, as they report an increase in respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, and rising cancer cases in most families, attributing this to the toxic gases emitted from the factory units.
In response to the proposed solutions, protesters rejected what is described as temporary solutions, asserting that their demands do not waver from "the permanent closure and relocation of the units" away from residential areas.
Environmental groups are also issuing warnings of an environmental disaster, indicating that marine life in the Chott el Jerid has been severely harmed due to the complex, especially with tons of industrial waste being dumped daily into the sea. Local fishermen have reported a significant decline in fish stocks over the past decade, affecting a vital source of income for many in the region.
