A dense and determined crowd invaded the streets of Gabès on Tuesday October 21, 2025. Starting from Aïn Salam Square, in the heart of the city, a peaceful march brought together hundreds of residents, environmental activists and members of civil associations to denounce the chronic pollution caused by the activities of the Tunisian chemical complex (CGT).
Under a late afternoon sun, the demonstrators marched peacefully, chanting slogans that have become emblematic: “الشعب يريد تفكيك الوحدات” (“the people want the dismantling of the units”).
The procession crossed the main arteries of the town of Aïn Salam (Jara), before reaching Bab El Bahr then the corniche, the final assembly point.
The organizers insisted on the peaceful and civic nature of the demonstration, despite a visible police presence.
A general strike followed massively
This march was part of a massively followed regional general strike.
According to Ahmed Chelbi, president of the regional section of the Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH), the mobilization was “100% successful”.
“All shops, cafes and restaurants have closed their doors. Even taxi drivers carried out a symbolic action of support before returning to work,” he declared on Jawhara FM.
Administrative offices and the majority of public establishments have also suspended their activities, illustrating the extent of popular anger.
Calls for political and unsafe treatment
In separate press releases, the LTDH, as well as the Labor and Social Democratic Current (Al Massar) parties, expressed their support for the residents of Gabès and their rejection of the security repression observed during previous rallies.
These organizations are calling for a “political, environmental and social treatment” of the issue, and not for repressive management.
They also demand the immediate release of the arrested demonstrators and the implementation of a sustainable decontamination plan for the region.
For years, the region of Gabès — the only coastal oasis in the Mediterranean — has lived to the rhythm of extreme industrial pollution, mainly resulting from the activities of the chemical complex.
Discharges into the sea and air have profoundly altered ecosystems and public health, making the city a national symbol of the Tunisian environmental crisis.
Also read: Gabès paralyzed by a general strike against industrial pollution
