Workers in the southern Tunisian city of Gabes went on a general strike on Tuesday, following weeks of protests against a chemical factory blamed for severe health problems in the region. The strike came after a surge in rallies demanding the closure of the state-run phosphate processing plant, which residents say has led to a rise in gas poisonings due to increased production.
The factory, which has been operating since 1972, processes phosphate into fertilisers. However, its waste and emissions, which include radioactive gases, have been linked to cancer and other health issues, according to research. The plant discharges these harmful substances into the air and the Mediterranean Sea.
Saoussen Nouisser, a local representative of Tunisia’s main labour union, UGTT, stated, “Everything is closed in Gabes. We’re all angry at the catastrophic environmental situation in our marginalised city.”
Recent weeks have seen over 200 people hospitalised for respiratory issues and gas poisoning, according to authorities and NGOs. Disturbing videos of children appearing to struggle with breathing problems sparked widespread outrage, prompting thousands to take to the streets in protest.
Security forces have clashed with demonstrators, using tear gas to disperse crowds, while dozens of people were arrested over the weekend. National Guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli reported that protesters had thrown “over 800 Molotov cocktails” at security forces, with instances of “robbery and looting” also occurring.
In response to the unrest, the government has promised to take “urgent measures” to address the pollution. The authorities have called on Chinese companies to help manage the plant’s waste and improve the control of gas emissions, with Equipment Minister Salah Zouari emphasising efforts to stop the discharge of phosphogypsum—a radioactive solid waste—into the sea. This waste has also been shown to contaminate soil and groundwater.
The plant’s impact on the community has been a long-standing issue. In 2017, the Tunisian government committed to gradually shutting down the factory, but earlier this year, authorities announced plans to increase production instead. President Kais Saied had previously emphasised the importance of the phosphate sector to the national economy, vowing to revitalise it despite ongoing unrest and underinvestment.
