Lebanon: Groups call for general strike November 28-30 following violence in Beirut /update 38

Event

The Lebanese Economic Bodies group, a private sector entity, has called for a three-day strike, from Thursday, November 28, through Saturday, November 30, in order to pressure major parties to form a new government. Banks in Lebanon have recently reopened after being closed for several weeks since protests began.

The call comes as protesters clashed with Hezbollah and Amal supporters in Beirut on Monday, November 25, amid a general strike. The two groups exchanged gunfire, marking a second consecutive night of violence in the capital. Heavy gunfire was also reported near Cola bridge in the clashes.

In Tyre, Hezbollah and Amal protesters also attacked protest tents and set them on fire on Monday, prompting police to intervene.

Additional protests are to be expected nationwide, though especially in Beirut, over the coming several days. Heightened security measures and disruptions to transportation and businesses are to be expected in major urban centers during the general strike and as protests continue. Clashes between protesters and between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

On October 16-17, the government approved tax hikes on tobacco products as part of its 2020 federal budget, as well as a daily tax on messages and calls done via the WhatsApp mobile phone messenger application. The announcement sparked mass protests across the country on October 17, forcing the government to revoke the tax proposal. Since then, protests have evolved calling for the resignation of the government and have continued despite an emergency reform package announced by Prime Minister Saad Hariri on October 21. On October 29, Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation. Former finance minister, Mohammad Safadi, who was expected to be appointed as Hariri's successor, declined on November 17, stating the difficulties to form a legitimate cabinet in this context.

Advice

Individuals in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.