Gabes Stands Up: A City's Fight Against Pollution and Neglect

In the coastal city of Gabes, Tunisia, people are fed up. They've had enough of the pollution from a big chemical plant. So, they did something about it. They went on strike. They protested. They shut down the city. All to send a message:

"Gabes wants to live."

The Pollution Crisis

The plant, run by the state, has been dumping waste into the sea for years. This waste is full of harmful stuff. It's making people sick. It's killing marine life. Fishermen say they can't catch as many fish as they used to. This is a big deal because many people in Gabes rely on fishing to make a living.

Government Response

The president, Kais Saied, has called the situation an "environmental assassination." He blames past governments for the mess. But the people of Gabes aren't satisfied with just words. They want action. They want the plant to close.

The government says it will build a new hospital to treat cancer patients. But that's not enough. The protesters want the pollution to stop. They want their city to be a safe place to live again.

A Country in Crisis

This isn't just about Gabes. It's about a country in crisis. Tunisia is facing economic problems. There are protests in other cities too. People are angry about unemployment and water shortages. The government has a tough job. It needs to fix these problems. But it's not easy.

The Cost of Phosphate

The chemical plant is a big part of Tunisia's economy. It produces phosphate, which is important for the country. But at what cost? The people of Gabes are asking this question. They are saying that money shouldn't be more important than health.

The Fight Continues

An audit of the plant found serious problems. It's not following the rules. It's dumping too much waste into the sea. This is hurting the environment and the people who live there.

The government knows it has to do something. But it's not clear what that will be. The people of Gabes are waiting. They are hoping for change. They are fighting for their city. And they are not giving up.