Gabes at a Crossroads: Pollution, Protests, and Government Inaction

In Gabes, southern Tunisia, tens of thousands participated in a general strike demanding the closure of a state chemical plant blamed for severe pollution. The protests challenge President Kais Saied amid an economic crisis. Locals demand action as health problems increase, while environmental assessments highlight ongoing violations.

The city of Gabes in southern Tunisia was brought to a halt on Tuesday as a general strike saw tens of thousands protest against a state chemical plant accused of exacerbating a pollution crisis. The demonstration, backed by the influential UGTT labor union, witnessed the closure of shops, markets, schools, and cafes in the coastal city.

Chants like 'Gabes wants to live' echoed through the streets as citizens called for the dismantling of what they described as 'polluting units.' President Kais Saied labeled Gabes's plight as an 'environmental assassination,' condemning past policies he claimed were responsible for health issues such as cancer and respiratory illnesses, as well as damaged ecosystems.

Despite Saied's promises and plans to build a cancer hospital, a timeline is absent, fueling public dissatisfaction. Environmental organizations caution that the chemical plant, known for dumping phosphogypsum and other polluting materials, has depleted fish stocks and disrupted livelihoods, posing challenges for an already challenged economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)