Summary:

On 15 April 2025, protests erupted in Mazzouna, Sidi Bouzid following the deaths of three students that were crushed when a school wall collapsed. The protestors called for accountability for the officials responsible for the maintenance of the facility. 

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Dozens of police officers were deployed to contain the protests especially during night when violent clashes occurred between security forces and youth who burned tires, blocked roads, and smashed the governor’s vehicle.  

Police officers teargassed and arrested several protestors, some of whom were injured.  

President Kais Saied visited Mazzouna three days after the incident to meet with residents and discuss measures to provide healthy facilities and create jobs.  

Many teachers participated in a one-day strike and protest organized in Tunis in support of Mazzouna’s residents’ demands and to call for improving infrastructure in Tunisia’s interior regions. 

Outlook: 

The incident in Mazzouna reflects the challenges faced by public institutions in Tunisia’s  interior regions where residents often lack public services, jobs, and well-maintained public facilities. The incident in Mazzouna and the systemic issues behind it struck a chord across Tunisian society, with many citizens frustrated with the state of infrastructure and services. 

In light of the events in Mazzouna, the likelihood of additional protests is likely to remain high, particularly in the interior regions, with potential spread of protests to the capital and other cities. 

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