Lebanon: Nationwide protests continue November 10 /update 28

Event

Demonstrations continued on Sunday, November 10, across Lebanon as the government forms a new cabinet following the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Thousands of people reportedly participated in rallies in Beirut, Sidon, Tyre, and Tripoli, among other major urban centers. Protesters are demanding that the new cabinet be comprised of technocrats and for it to be independent of established political parties. No significant clashes between demonstrators and police were immediately reported.

Similar protests are to be expected over the coming days in Lebanese cities. Heightened security measures and disruptions to transportation and business are to be anticipated near demonstration sites. Clashes 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 20 percent for 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. The packages include a reduction to government officials' salaries, a plan to privatize the telecommunications sector, and a proposed overhaul of the electricity sector. Dozens of activists have been killed and several hundred protesters and security forces wounded in the protests. On October 29, Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation.

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 near demonstration sites, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.