Tunisian school wall collapse sparks anger over neglect in Mezzouna

The tragic deaths of three sixth-formers in Mezzouna fuel protests over years of underinvestment in Tunisia’s interior.

Demonstrators set tires on fire during a protest in Mezzouna, around 70 kilometers from Sidi Bouzid in central Tunisia, on April 17, 2025, following the collapse of a crumbling school wall that killed three students on April 14. Photo by Saber Sboui/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The recent deaths of three Tunisian sixth-formers in a tragic school wall collapse in Mezzouna have ignited widespread anger over the systemic neglect and underinvestment in Tunisia’s inland areas. The incident, which has already claimed the lives of three young students, has laid bare the ongoing struggles of the country’s rural towns, where basic public services and infrastructure have long been neglected. The collapse, which occurred on Monday, has left many questioning the government's priorities and its failure to address the needs of its people.

The town of Mezzouna, located just 70 kilometers (45 miles) from the central town of Sidi Bouzid, is one of many areas in Tunisia’s arid interior that has suffered from decades of neglect. The residents' frustration reached a boiling point after the wall collapse, sparking protests and clashes with security forces. Angry residents have blocked roads leading to the National Guard post, burning tyres in a desperate bid to make their voices heard. The protests have been fueled by a sense of abandonment, as locals demand basic services like healthcare, education, and access to clean water.

"We’re asking for the most basic things: healthcare and education," said Najet Messaadi, a local resident. "Instead, they sent us 112 police cars. What are we? Terrorists?"

The tragedy has taken a personal toll on Najet Messaadi, whose 18-year-old nephew, Mohanad Jedaida, was shot in the head with a gas grenade during the protests, leaving him unable to speak. "They’re adding pain on top of pain," she said, visibly shaken. "We buried three people, and it’s possible we will bury more."

Delayed response exacerbates tragedy

The lack of timely medical assistance in the aftermath of the collapse is another source of outrage. Human rights activist Walid Jed highlighted the fact that ambulances were delayed by the long distance from the town of Regueb, located 30 kilometers (20 miles) away. "That delay worsened the situation," Jed said. "It probably led to the death of some who could have been saved."

The shortage of basic resources has also been a significant issue. Jed further explained that when one of the students died, the family was unable to find water to wash his body before the burial. "That’s no longer acceptable," he stated. For the residents of Mezzouna, these are not isolated problems but rather a reflection of the ongoing neglect that has plagued the region for years.

Government response and local frustration

In response to the protests and unrest, Tunisian President Kais Saied visited Mezzouna on Friday. However, his visit was met with skepticism, as it took place at 4:00 am when few people were around and after the authorities had removed all signs of the protests. The president blamed "traitors" for the poor public services in the town, accusing them of provoking the National Guard.

Such remarks have only fueled the anger of the locals, who feel that their struggles are being ignored by the government. The people of Mezzouna, like many others in Tunisia’s interior, are increasingly frustrated with the lack of attention paid to their most basic needs. Their demands are clear: they want proper healthcare, a functioning education system, and improved infrastructure.

A legacy of underinvestment in Tunisia’s interior

Mezzouna’s plight is not unique. The region has suffered for decades from underinvestment, as successive governments have focused their attention on the more prosperous coastal areas, which attract tourists and generate significant revenue. Tunisia’s arid interior, by contrast, has been left behind, with limited access to public services and a general lack of infrastructure development.

This imbalance in investment has contributed to widespread poverty, unemployment, and a sense of disenfranchisement among the people living in Tunisia’s inland towns. The exodus of young people seeking better opportunities in urban centers or abroad is a common pattern in these neglected regions. The tragic death of 18-year-old Mohamed Amine Messaadi in the school wall collapse is a stark example of the impact of this neglect. A passionate footballer with aspirations of pursuing a professional career, Messaadi had tried to leave Mezzouna multiple times, but a recruitment freeze at his football club had dashed his dreams. His death has left his family devastated and serves as a painful reminder of the limited opportunities available to the youth in rural Tunisia.

The state of education and public services

The collapse of the school wall also highlights the dire state of education in Mezzouna. Mohamed Amine’s mother, Chafia Fahem, an Arabic teacher at the school, expressed her deep dissatisfaction with the conditions in the school where her son was killed. She revealed that the school’s infrastructure is crumbling, with entire classrooms at risk of collapsing. "We’re victims of the education system, of bad governance," Fahem said, a sentiment echoed by many teachers and residents in the area.

The Messaadi family’s experience is a reflection of the broader issues facing Tunisia’s education system, which struggles with inadequate resources, outdated facilities, and a lack of investment. Despite the country’s hopes for progress and development, these systemic issues remain largely unaddressed.

A call for change and justice

For the people of Mezzouna, the collapse has become a symbol of the neglect that has plagued the interior regions of Tunisia. The protests, which have continued in the wake of the tragedy, are not just about the wall collapse itself but about the broader issues of underinvestment and poor governance that have led to widespread poverty and suffering.

The residents of Mezzouna are not asking for miracles—they simply want their basic rights to be recognized. "Our needs are basic and don't require a miracle," said human rights activist Walid Jed. "We won't accept to live as we did."

As Tunisia grapples with its economic challenges and political instability, it is clear that addressing the needs of the country’s inland regions must be a priority. The tragic deaths of three students in Mezzouna have shed light on the urgent need for reforms in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Whether the government will respond to these calls for change remains to be seen, but for the residents of Mezzouna, the time for action is long overdue.

The events of this week in Mezzouna are a stark reminder of the deep inequalities that persist in Tunisia and the pressing need for a more balanced and inclusive approach to development. Until these issues are addressed, protests and unrest are likely to continue, as the people of Mezzouna and other rural towns demand justice and accountability.