Gabes, Oct 16 (AP) — In the southern Tunisian city of Gabes, crowds faced a barrage of tear gas as thousands took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the escalating air pollution from a local phosphate-processing plant. The demonstration turned violent, leaving several protesters and police injured.
The protest erupted into clashes with law enforcement when demonstrators attempted to reach the plant, located within an industrial complex designated as a military zone. Gabes, a city with over 400,000 residents, is pivotal to Tunisia’s phosphate industry—a critical source of export revenue for the country.
Recent protests have been fueled by a gas leak at the nearby state-controlled Chemical Group of Tunisia complex, as reported by the environmental group "Stop Pollution." The gas leak resulted in dozens, including children, being hospitalized in recent weeks, rekindling deep-seated anger among Gabes residents. They attribute decades of industrial activities to the rise in cancer cases, respiratory diseases, and the degradation of the region’s once-flourishing ecosystem.
By evening on Wednesday, the streets were filled with tear gas, burning tires, and overturned trash bins, as protesters blocked key roads and rallied against what they deemed as “environmental crimes.” Many demanded the dissolution of the GCT and the closure of its phosphate units, accusing the facility of perpetually poisoning Gabes.
The chemical complex in Gabes processes raw phosphate into fertilizer, discharging toxic waste into the Gulf of Gabes for decades. Environmental groups claim this pollution has decimated marine life, darkened the waters, and displaced generations of fishermen.
Promises to relocate or upgrade the plant have been made by successive Tunisian governments but remain unfulfilled, according to activists. The National Observatory for Agriculture in Tunisia consistently reports that air quality in parts of Gabes surpasses World Health Organization limits. Experts have noted elevated levels of sulfur dioxide and ammonia, pollutants that harm respiratory health and contribute to acid rain.
“Our lives are constantly plagued by the smells and smoke,” said Hanen, a local resident who withheld her last name for fear of retribution. Speaking to the Associated Press, she noted that tensions intensified following a recent gas leak, as authorities didn't disclose the cause of illnesses affecting residents, including incidents of hospitalization and paralysis among children.
Hanen added, “They dismissed our concerns, branded us as liars, and that has fueled the anger. We want this complex dismantled and won't relent until it's achieved.”
The GCT’s acknowledgment of “major non-conformities” in a July 2025 environmental audit highlighted excessive emissions of ammonia and other pollutants below global standards. Despite admissions from the government and President Kais Saied, residents claim little action has ensued.
Earlier this week, President Saied announced the formation of an urgent joint commission to address protesters' demands, stating, “Significant maintenance and testing failures led to gas leaks, and there will be no leniency for neglect. The people of Gabes will receive their full rights.” (AP)
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