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General Strike Halts Gabes Over Pollution From Phosphate Plant

Authorities tout urgent fixes with help from Chinese firms after hundreds suffered respiratory distress.

Overview

  • UGTT called a citywide shutdown that closed shops, schools and services as tens of thousands marched to demand dismantling of the CGT-run units.
  • More than 200 people were hospitalised in recent weeks with respiratory distress and gas exposure, according to authorities and NGOs.
  • The government says urgent measures are underway, with the equipment minister citing Chinese companies to control gas emissions and stop phosphogypsum dumping into the sea.
  • Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani said a cancer hospital would be built in Gabes, though no timetable was provided.
  • Clashes broke out during some protests with police using tear gas and making dozens of arrests, and the National Guard reported more than 800 Molotov cocktails and instances of looting.