After Gafsa, Gabes and Sfax, the Sidi Bouzid governorate is also about to see its phosphate industry crippled by social mobilizations. On Wednesday, militants who demanded jobs and development for their delegations (Mazzouna, Meknassi, Menzel, Bouzayane) blocked the rail traffic between Sfax and Tozeur in the Founi region.

These types of manifestations tend to become the norm in these regions as their populations continuously complain about suffering the negative effects of phosphate without enjoying its benefits. Complaints often translate into sit-in and uprisings which trouble phosphate-related industrial activity. Between the demands for jobs, development and protection of environment, these complaints are countless.

In 2015, the first semester of the year was difficult for Alkimia in Gabes. Specialized in the production and export of Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP), the firm registered a 23% drop in its turnover because of various sit-ins against pollution of Gafsa mining basin and in Gabes, which prevented supply in raw phosphate.

At the start of this year, 3,000 people protested in Sfax demanding the closure of the industrial company which produces phosphoric acid and fertilizers. Residents of the city back protest saying the firm has been “polluting environment for far too long”.

In Gafsa, just like in Sidi Bouzid, unemployment is the main reason behind protests. Companies which suffered most from these protests are Phosphate Company of Gafsa and its partner Tunisian Chemical Group who both mine phosphate to produce chemical fertilizers (TSP, STPP…) and insure most of mining and industrial activity of this region.  

The manifestation fever is very likely to expand to Sidi Bouzid, experts say. This morning, these protests flamed up despite efforts of authorities to reach a pacific conclusion. The coming days will determine the future of the phosphate-dependent companies in the Sidi Bouzid governorate.

Stéphanie C. TOHON