Lebanon: Day of mourning declared nationwide on anniversary of Beirut port explosion Aug. 4

Event

Lebanese authorities declared a national day of mourning Aug. 4 to commemorate the anniversary of the major explosion that occurred in 2020 at the Port of Beirut. All public administrations, institutions, and municipalities will be closed. Demonstrations demanding justice and accountability for the victims of the explosion are likely nationwide. Prominent potential rally sites include public squares, government buildings, and city centers. In Beirut, protests are likely to materialize at the Port of Beirut, the Ministry of Justice, Riad el-Solh Road, Martyrs' Square, and near the government palace.

Protest leaders allege that politicians are obstructing the investigation into the blast and have called for lawmakers' protection from prosecution to be revoked. Demonstrators may burn tires and sporadically barricade main roadways during protests, prompting ground travel disruptions. Transport delays could, in turn, result in further commercial disruptions. Security forces will almost certainly monitor and respond to all protests and roadblocks. Clashes between security forces and protesters are likely if activists ignore police orders or are overly disruptive.

Context

A major explosion at the Port of Beirut killed at least 200 people and wounded about 6,000 others in August 2020. Investigators linked the blast to some 2,750 tons of seized ammonium nitrate that officials had been storing in a port warehouse since 2014. The blast inflicted severe damage across the capital, leveling buildings near the port and shattering windows in structures throughout the downtown area and surrounding suburbs. Government officials have been heavily criticized for their inaction in dealing with the ammonium nitrate and the aftershock of the explosion. Deflection of responsibility among the country’s leaders has greatly angered the Lebanese public.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts regarding protest sites, and maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for localized clashes or other security incidents. Allow significant extra time to reach destinations in city centers in Lebanon Aug, 4. Do not attempt to pass through protester roadblocks; wait for authorities to remove them. Be alert for residual debris and sharp objects if driving on previously blocked roads. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Reconfirm business appointments.