17 Aug 2017 | 07:52 AM UTC
Libya: Water and power crisis spurs protests
Ongoing water and power cuts spur protest in Tripoli August 16; latest in series of protest movements
Event
On Wednesday, August 16, around ten men forced workers out of telecommunications company Madar's headquarters in the Gurji neighborhood of Tripoli in protest of ongoing power and water cuts. Despite employees being forced to leave, security personnel were reportedly able to control the situation.
Wednesday's incident follows on a series of similar acts of protest. On August 14, residents erected a roadblock of burning tires in Fornaj, while on August 12 residents in Hay Andalous stormed a local power grid feed station and assaulted employees. In late July, residents of Tobruk raised empty bottles in anger at the lack of water, shouting the slogan "water for oil" and threatening to shut down the Marsa Hariga port - one of the country's largest oil export ports - if the crisis was not solved.
Context
Libya continues to experience long power outages and water shortages, which are now starting to trigger localized civil unrest. According to local sources, many Libyans now resort to traders who sell water at high prices as a result of repeated disruptions in supply since 2012.
Advice
The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
