The demonstration follows weeks of unrest in southern Tunisia, one of the country’s most marginalized regions, plagued by above-average unemployment, faulty infrastructure and an underdeveloped sector.
Since July 9, dozens of protesters have camped in the desert near El Kamour. Other teams joined them thursday before the breach.
Protesters are calling on the government to put in place a 2017 agreement to create jobs in oil companies and infrastructure projects to reduce unemployment, which is now 30% in the region, one of Tunisia’s highest rates.
The most recent demonstration came when Tunisian leaders were in a political stalemate after the resignation of Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh on Wednesday and through several parties to accuse President Rached Ghannouchi.
Lately, marathon negotiations are taking place to place a new prime minister within 10 days who can earn Parliament’s trust until September, otherwise Tunisia will have to hold general elections.
The closure of the pumping station continues the clashes last month between police and protesters over paintings in Tataouine.
Approximately 10 years after a popular revolution ended the reign of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia is still suffering to offer economic opportunities to other unemployed youth in regions such as Tataouine.
On Monday, Investment Minister Slim Azzabi said Tunisia had asked four countries to postpone expected loan payments for this year, as it announced more pessimistic budget forecasts for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The request highlights the terrible state of Tunisia’s public finances, which was already a fear before the coronavirus crisis hit the world economy.