22 Mar 2018 | 10:05 AM UTC
Tunisia: Renewed clashes in Mdhilla March 21 /update 2
Renewed clashes in phosphorous mining town Mdhilla (central Tunisia) over unemployment in region March 21
Event
On Wednesday, March 21, a police station was set on fire following clashes in Mdhilla (Gafsa province; central Tunisia) between youths demanding jobs and police, who used tear gas to disperse the protesters. The police reportedly intervened as approximately 700 protesters attempted to block access to the Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG) - the largest employer in the region - and proceeded to throw stones. Around five protesters were reportedly briefly hospitalized. This incident follows weeks of stalled production in the phosphate industry in the region due to protests.
Context
Over the past few months, protesters have demanded access to jobs in the region and that revenue from regional phosphate mining be invested into the region and its development. The Tunisian government has announced it will prosecute any protesters responsible for blocking phosphate transportation routes and production and has threatened other government intervention to resolve the crisis. Repeated negotiation attempts have failed.
The CPG is the main employer in central Tunisia, which relies heavily on the phosphate sector and is one of the poorest areas of the country.
Advice
Individuals in Gafsa province are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of potential violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
