Lebanon: Cement plant employees block highway during protest in Chekka (North province) May 27

Event

On Wednesday morning (local time), May 27, dozens of employees of the Lebanese National Cement Plant blocked all lanes on the main highway in Chekka (North province) during a protest over job cuts. The employees are appealing to authorities to intervene after the industry announced that 95% of employees would be laid off in early June, citing a lack of regulation by sector authorities. The demonstration led to severe traffic congestion along the highway, which connects northern Lebanon to Beirut.

Further unrest and associated disruption are possible over the issue in the near term.

Advice

Individuals in Chekka are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.