Tunisia: Widespread protests and strikes over unemployment take place November 25

Event

Strikes and associated sit-in protests were held across Tunisia on Wednesday, November 25, in protest over a lack of employment opportunities in the country. The protest action reportedly caused severe disruption to various sectors of the economy on Wednesday. Sit-in protests at the state-run Gafsa Phosphate stopped Tunisia's entire phosphate output. The governorate headquarters in Gafsa was also stormed by individuals demanding jobs. Meanwhile, in Beja province, almost all economic activity was halted by strike action, with most shops, cafes, schools, and restaurants closed. Several thousand people also gathered outside the governorate headquarters and sit-ins were held on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in the city of Beja. On Monday, November 23, sit-in protesters had halted operations at the Douleb oil field (Kasserine province).

Further protests over the socio-economic situation are expected over the near term and could lead to further disruption to services and business operations.

Advice

Those in Tunisia are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, monitor developments, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.