Peaceful March Underway in Tunisia to Protest Environmental Pollution

A peaceful march began on Monday morning from the Faj Rouissat region, heading towards the capital, at the request of local residents and with the support of civil society components and environmental activists. The protesters are demanding the opening of the environmental pollution file in the region and urgent intervention to put an end to what they have described as "environmental and health injustice" caused by the local cement factory's activities.

In statements to Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) journalist, several citizens stated that the march, which started at 10 am in front of the cement factory's headquarters in Rouissat, aims to draw the attention of the central authorities to the extent of the damage suffered by the region due to the factory's operations. They are calling for the implementation of strict and effective measures to save the area from an "imminent environmental and health catastrophe" and to ensure their right to a fair and sustainable development, as well as a healthy environment that guarantees a dignified life for future generations.

This march comes as a step up in escalation after the peaceful sit-in that began on April 25 by a group of young people from the region. This protest movement is focused on what they describe as the "impacts resulting from the excessive and non-secured use of petroleum coke as a source of energy for the factory's production."

They added that the emissions generated by this material have caused "serious" damage to the environment and surrounding agricultural lands, as well as direct health risks for residents and their children. Furthermore, cracks and crevices have affected the walls and ceilings of nearby homes and schools due to the explosions and vibrations related to the factory's activity, according to their statements.

It is worth noting that the march is still ongoing and has reached the level of the Kondar delegation in the Sousse governorate.