Lebanon: Protesters block roads in Tripoli June 29 /update 119

Event

Protesters gathered in Tripoli (North province) on Monday, June 29, to demonstrate against the worsening economic situation in the country. The demonstrators blocked access to el-Nour square on Monday morning (local time), before access was restored by police. Protesters subsequently set up roadblocks on the highway leading to the north of the country and the road leading to Aabdeh (Akkar province). An associated strike is being held, with many businesses not opening. Associated demonstrations led to other routes across Lebanon being blocked on Sunday evening, but they were reportedly all reopened by the Lebanese army by Monday morning.

Further unrest and associated disruption to transport and business is expected in Tripoli and other areas across Lebanon in the near term.

Context 

Recent protests have been denouncing ongoing economic hardship in Lebanon, the fall in the value of the Lebanese pound, and the rise in the cost of goods. On June 29, the Director General of the Lebanese Finance Ministry, Alain Bifani, announced his resignation over the financial crisis.

Advice

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