A general strike and mass demonstrations paralysed the southern Tunisian city of Gabes on Tuesday, as tens of thousands of people demanded the closure of a state-run chemical plant blamed for a worsening pollution crisis.
The latest wave of environmental and anti-government protests, fuelled by economic hardship and the collapse of public services, marks the most significant challenge yet to President Kais Saied since he consolidated power in 2021.
Shops, schools, markets and cafés were closed as the powerful UGTT labour union called a general strike, bringing daily life in the coastal city to a halt.
Demonstrators carried banners denouncing pollution caused by the CGT phosphate plant, which they say has endangered the health of thousands of residents. Crowds chanted slogans such as “Gabes wants to live” and “dismantle the polluting units.”
Seeking to ease tensions, President Saied recently described the situation in Gabes as an “environmental assassination,” blaming the policies of former governments for high rates of cancer, respiratory illness, and the destruction of local ecosystems.
However, protesters dismissed his remarks, saying the government’s failure to take firm action to shut down the chemical complex was worsening both the health and environmental crises.
Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani said on Monday that a cancer hospital would be built in Gabes to respond to rising cases, though no timeline was given.
The government fears that unrest in Gabes could trigger wider discontent in other regions, where protests over unemployment and water shortages are frequent.
Facing a deep financial crisis, the authorities are struggling to balance public health concerns with phosphate production, one of Tunisia’s key economic resources.
An audit commissioned by CGT in July, and reviewed by Reuters, found serious breaches of national and international regulations. The report said the plant dumps between 14,000 and 15,000 tonnes of phosphogypsum into the Mediterranean every day and emits high levels of ammonia, nitrogen oxides and sulphates.
Environmental groups warn that marine life has been severely damaged, with local fishermen reporting a sharp decline in fish stocks over the past decade, devastating a crucial source of income for the region.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May),...
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secre...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
As climate pressures and urbanisation accelerate worldwide, governments are increasingly investing in smart cities and villages to build more sustainable and resilient communities. Across the world, digital technologies are reshaping how cities and rural areas are planned and managed.
The UK is experiencing potentially record-breaking temperatures after forecasters confirmed some areas reached highs close to 34°C on Monday.
More than 100 people were killed in a violent storm that battered India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with rain and hail, the state Disaster Management and Relief office said on Thursday.
Climate change has driven a record surge in wildfires across Africa, Asia and other regions this year, with scientists warning that conditions are likely to worsen further as the northern hemisphere enters summer and El Niño weather patterns intensify.
Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment