Protests erupt in Libya’s Tripoli as anger grows over power cuts
Civil disobedience protests have spread across Tripoli in response to prolonged power cuts and high electricity costs, with demonstrators blocking roads, government buildings, and state institutions. The campaign, initiated by the Souq Al-Jumaa Movement, seeks accountability for alleged corruption and institutional reform.
Widespread unrest has gripped Libya's capital as residents mobilize against deteriorating public services, particularly electricity shortages that have reached up to ten hours daily. Protesters have employed civil disobedience tactics including road blockades, tire burning, and the occupation of key government facilities. The demonstrations have targeted multiple locations across Tripoli, including the coastal road in Janzour, the West Tripoli power station, municipal council offices, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and state telecommunications facilities.
The Souq Al-Jumaa Movement, which has opposed the Government of National Unity since May 2025, initiated the campaign with stated objectives extending beyond immediate service complaints. The movement seeks comprehensive institutional accountability for alleged corruption and calls for the dissolution of existing political structures, including the government, House of Representatives, State Council, and Presidential Council. A separate movement in the Tajoura district announced plans for a full boycott of state institutions beginning Monday, citing deterioration across electricity, water, education, and health services alongside ongoing fuel, liquidity, and medicine shortages.
The electricity crisis has intensified public discontent already strained by inflation, currency instability, and Libya's prolonged political deadlock. The state-run General Electricity Company has reinstated load-shedding measures after two years of relative network stability, reflecting the severity of the current situation. The Government of National Unity has not yet issued a public response to the escalating demonstrations.
International engagement has accompanied the domestic unrest, with Massad Boulos, the White House adviser for African affairs, reporting a productive discussion with Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dabaiba regarding Libyan unification efforts and security cooperation between eastern and western factions.
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