Tunisian Activists Demand Factory Closure Amidst Severe Pollution and Poisonings

Environmental Crisis in Gabes

• 🌍 The ecosystem and residents' health in Gabes, Tunisia, have been severely impacted by decades of pollution from the Tunisian Chemical Group's factory.
• ⚠️ Over 100 people were poisoned in September and October 2025 by sulfur and ammonia fumes from the factory, which processes phosphates into fertilizer.
• 💔 Victims, including high school students, suffer from breathing difficulties, vertigo, and coordination problems, impacting their daily lives and recovery.

Activist Demands and Government Response

• 📣 Environmental activists, like the 'stop pollution' group, have been campaigning since 2012 to shut down the chemical plant.
• 🤝 A 2017 agreement with the government for the factory's relocation has not been implemented, leading to increased frustration.
• ✊ Protests erupted following new poisonings, with the army deployed to guard the factory after demonstrations on October 10th.

Chemical Waste and Ecological Damage

• 🏭 Phosphogpsum, a byproduct of phosphate processing, is carelessly disposed of, seeping into the ground and sea.
• 📉 This industrial pollution has led to the disappearance of much of Challen's marine biodiversity.
• 🗣️ Residents and activists are demanding stronger government action, including the dismantling of the factory and a concrete plan for area cleanup.
• ⚖️ There is a strong call for leaders to take the pollution issue more seriously, especially for the protection of vulnerable populations.