Tunisia: Blockades of phosphorous production continue

Event

A month-long campaign to stall phosphate production continues in Tunisia as of March 7. Since late January, protesters have blocked roads and organized sit-ins in protest of the results of a Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG) recruitment competition. The Tunisian government has announced it will prosecute the protesters responsible for blocking phosphate transportation routes and production and has threatened other government intervention to resolve the crisis. Repeated negotiation attempts have failed.

Context

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 the affected areas of Tunisia 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.