The Kerkennah Islands. Image Credit: Wiki Commons
Operations at the British energy company, Petrofac have again been suspended following continued protests over the plight of unemployed graduated on the island.
Operations at Petrofac had resumed briefly following the departure of the security forces two weeks ago, with the Tunisian military assuming responsibility for security upon the island.
Dissent upon the island centers on a 2011 agreement between 266 islanders and the energy company, where island residents would receive a monthly stipend of between 300 and 450 dinars in return for environmental work. Following objections by Petrofac that not all those being paid were working, it was agreed that the Tunisian government would assume responsibility for paying the stipend and providing the legal employment status to the 266. However, while the Petrofac payments ceased, the government’s failed to materialize.
Ayman Asfari, Petrofac Chief Executive, declined to meet with Tunisia Live. Image Credit: YouTube
However, despite extensive clashes between protesters and police, including the wide employment of tear gas and numerous claims by protesters that excessive force had been used by the Police, Petrofac have assured Tunisia Live that they have no immediate plans to leave Kerkennah, despite extensively reported rumors to the contrary. “We are suspending our production operations as a result of recent interruptions to our activities until we are in a position to resume all production operations in a safe manner,” Petrofac spokesperson; Alison Flynn told Tunisia Live earlier. Petrofac also assured the site that they are working with local stakeholders to achieve a sustainable solution to the problems on the island.
However, requests to meet with Petrofac’s Chief Executive, Ayman Asfari, who was in Tunis this week to speak at an investment conference, were refused.
Petrofac-Tunisia General Director, Imed Derouiche, who protesters have called on the company to take action against. image source; Facebook
Ahmed Souissi, General Coordinator for the Union of Unemployed Graduate’s Kerkennah branch, told Tunisia Live that relative calm had returned to the island. “There’s nothing official yet. We’re waiting for the State to invite us to begin negotiations,” he said.
Protesters still have several demands. Chief amongst these, according to Souissi is the lifting of charges against protesters following clashes with police during earlier demonstrations. Protesters also called for the police to be held accountable for torture and maltreatment of protesters during the disturbances, “those who are directly responsible for what happened in the island.” Souissi said that false reports by the police leadership had played a significant role in escalating violence upon the island.
“We don’t have a problem with the activities of Petrofac per se. However, we do have a problem with its policies and administration. We also have a problem with Imed Derouiche, Petrofac’s director for Tunisia.” Souissi said that Petrofac must take action against Derouiche if there was to be any hope of progress.
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