Thousands of Tunisians marched on Friday toward the capital city of Tunis, protesting against the lack of commitment from the authorities to combat poverty and unemployment in their region.

unemployment in their region.

Organized by the country's main labor union UGTT, inhabitants from Siliana, some 120 km from Tunis and a place plagued by chronic poverty and joblessness, were heading to the capital in protest against what they see as a deepening marginalization.

Statistics showed that since the ousting of former leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali nearly two years ago, unemployment has soared to 23 percent in Siliana, while investment have plummeted by nearly 45 percent.

Many of the protesters said the government failed to fulfill the people's aspirations for better living conditions.

The protest came while clashes between protesters and the police in the central Tunisian town entered into the fourth day, which had left more than 250 people injured, Shems FM reported.

Salem, a 42-year-old teacher and father of two, told Xinhua that the inhabitants' determination to oust the governor and for more social justice are unshakeable.

In an address delivered Thursday, Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali condemned the violence and promised an official investigation into it.