Tunisia: Soldiers fire into the air to disperse protesters in Tataouine May 20

Event

Tunisian soldiers prevented protesters from shutting down production at an oil pumping station near Vana in Tatouine province on Saturday, May 20. The soldiers fire live ammunition into the air to disperse the crowd that was gathering outside the facility. No injuries have been reported. Additional protests are likely in the coming days.

Context

On May 10, President Beji Caid Essebsi deployed the military to protect the phosphate, gas, and oil production facilities from protesters in Tataouine province.

Around 1000 people have set up a protest camp outside of the oil pumping station. Unemployed youth have been holding protests in Tataouine province to demand the government take action to promote the creation of new jobs and economic development. Additional demonstrations have occurred throughout the country due to unemployment. The ongoing protests have caused oil and gas facilities to halt production. Tunisia has been dealing with a difficult socioeconomic situation since 2011, when massive “Arab Spring” demonstrations rocked the region and led to changes in the political organization of the country. The current government struggles to address economic hardships faced by the population, youths in particular.

Advice

Individuals in Tunisia are advised to avoid demonstrations due to the potential for violence, to follow any instructions issued by local authorities, and to allow for extra time to reach their destinations.