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AFP
Mnilha, Tunisie
Several hundred Tunisians demonstrated in a working class district of the capital on Tuesday, demanding government support and protesting a week-old lockdown against the coronavirus pandemic that has disproportionately impacted the poor.
“Nevermind coronavirus, we’re going to die anyway! Let us work!” shouted one protester.
“Let me at least bring bread home for my children,” the bricklayer told AFP.
In poor areas like Mnilha and Ettadhamen on the outskirts of the Tunisian capital, healthcare facilities are limited and the many people who work as day labourers are without income because of coronavirus containment measures.
“I haven’t worked in 15 days,” a woman named Sabiha said.
On Monday, angry residents marched to the local government office to demand welfare payments and permits to leave their homes. Some even blocked roads and burned tyres.
Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced on March 21 a $52 million economic support package for those worst affected by the lockdown but did not say when it would be distributed.
Then on Monday the ministry of social affairs announced that payments would be distributed from March 21 until April 6, causing a rush to local government offices to register.
Mnilha, Tunisie
Several hundred Tunisians demonstrated in a working class district of the capital on Tuesday, demanding government support and protesting a week-old lockdown against the coronavirus pandemic that has disproportionately impacted the poor.
“Nevermind coronavirus, we’re going to die anyway! Let us work!” shouted one protester.
“Let me at least bring bread home for my children,” the bricklayer told AFP.
In poor areas like Mnilha and Ettadhamen on the outskirts of the Tunisian capital, healthcare facilities are limited and the many people who work as day labourers are without income because of coronavirus containment measures.
“I haven’t worked in 15 days,” a woman named Sabiha said.
On Monday, angry residents marched to the local government office to demand welfare payments and permits to leave their homes. Some even blocked roads and burned tyres.
Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced on March 21 a $52 million economic support package for those worst affected by the lockdown but did not say when it would be distributed.
Then on Monday the ministry of social affairs announced that payments would be distributed from March 21 until April 6, causing a rush to local government offices to register.
