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Tunisia Sacks Governor of Neglected Phosphate-Rich Gafsa

Tunisia said on Thursday it had fired the governor of the neglected but phosphate-rich Gafsa region, with an official citing "failings" in the management of labor relations in the mining sector.

The decision comes after protests spread across Tunisia last month, including in Gafsa, in some of the worst social unrest since the 2011 revolution.

"The head of government Habib Essid decided to dismiss the governor of Gafsa," the government said in a statement, without giving any further details.

An official, who asked to remain anonymous, said Taieb Zarai -- who had held the post since last April -- was sacked for "failings", especially in the management of labor relations in the phosphate sector.

Gafsa is economically important because of its phosphate mines, but remains among the poorest areas of Tunisia despite its resource wealth.

Earlier this month, 60 unemployed Tunisians from Gafsa walked 400 kilometers (250 miles) to Tunis to demand jobs.

The region saw anti-government protests in 2008 that were savagely repressed by the regime of now ousted autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Since the 2011 revolt that toppled Ben Ali, authorities have failed to improve the country's economy or resolve regional inequalities.

Source: Agence France Presse


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