Thousands took to the streets of the Tunisian coastal city of Gabes in a massive march on Wednesday, escalating protests that began last week over pollution from the state-owned Chemical Group of Tunisia’s (CGT) phosphate complex.
The large-scale demonstrations have increased pressure on President Kais Saied’s government, which fears the unrest could spread to other parts of the country.
Already burdened by a deep financial crisis, the government faces the difficult task of balancing public health demands with phosphate production — Tunisia’s most valuable natural resource.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “We want to live” and “Gabes is crying out for help” as they marched towards Chatt Essalam, a coastal suburb north of the city where the CGT plant is located. Witnesses said police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators as they approached the complex.
In the capital, Tunis, crowds also gathered in solidarity with Gabes, underscoring growing national concern over environmental pollution and calls for urgent government intervention.
Residents of Gabes report rising cases of respiratory illnesses, osteoporosis, and cancer, which they attribute to toxic emissions from the factory’s units.
The latest wave of protests was triggered earlier this month after dozens of schoolchildren suffered breathing difficulties caused by toxic fumes from a plant that converts phosphates into phosphoric acid and fertilizers.
CGT did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the situation in Gabes.
One protester, Khaireddine Diba, declared: “Today, our voice will be loud and resounding until this crime stops immediately.”
President Saied recently described Gabes as a victim of “environmental assassination,” blaming the crisis on “criminal policy choices” by previous governments. He called on ministries to maintain the units and prevent leaks as an initial step.
However, protesters reject temporary measures and demand the permanent closure and relocation of the units.
Tons of industrial waste are reportedly discharged daily into the sea at Chatt Essalam. Environmental groups warn that marine life has been severely affected, with local fishermen reporting a dramatic decline in fish stocks over the past decade — devastating a key source of livelihood for many in the region.
