20 Nov 2018 | 10:56 PM UTC
Tunisia: Protests break out in Gafsa province November 19-20
Protesters disrupt phosphate production in Gafsa province November 19-20; continuing disruptions possible over the coming days
Event
Dozens of protesters disrupted phosphate production in Gafsa province on Monday, November 19, and Tuesday, November 20. The protests - which have affected operations in Al-Mitlawi, Al-Rudayyif, Moularès, and Mdhilla - reportedly come amid frustration over the results of a recruitment competition for a subsidiary of the state-run Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG). Similar protests and disruptions to phosphate production are possible in Gafsa province over the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites.
Context
Protesters have periodically disrupted phosphate production in Gafsa province since 2011, demanding access to jobs in the region and that revenue from regional phosphate mining be invested into the region and its development amid chronically high unemployment rates.
The CPG is the main employer in the region, 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 developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of potential violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
