**Libya Power Crisis Sparks New Protests**
Protests erupted across western Libya, including in the capital city of Tripoli, on Tuesday as residents expressed their frustration over a severe power crisis. The unrest was triggered by three significant power outages within just two days, leaving many without reliable electricity in the sweltering heat.
Demonstrators took to the streets and public squares, blocking roads and setting tires ablaze as a form of protest. In the Tajoura district of Tripoli, protesters constructed earthen barriers to close off main roads, voicing their anger over the ongoing power outages and the deterioration of essential services.
This recent wave of protests follows weeks of escalating discontent related to Libya's electricity crisis. The situation has been exacerbated by a severe heatwave that has seen temperatures soar to around 50 degrees Celsius, leading to daily blackouts that can last up to 14 hours. The prolonged outages have fueled public outrage and demands for government accountability.
The unrest reached a critical point on July 28, when protesters stormed the Mellitah Oil and Gas Complex, a key facility for gas supplies to local power stations. This action temporarily disrupted critical energy resources and highlighted the desperation of residents facing relentless power shortages.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah announced a leadership change at the General Electricity Company of Libya, replacing its board in an effort to address the mounting public dissatisfaction.
The energy crisis has also been compounded by attacks on Libya's energy infrastructure. Recently, the oil refining facilities in Zawiya, capable of processing approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day, have been targeted by drone strikes. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has raised alarms about the potential for these attacks to disrupt operations at the country’s largest functioning refinery.
One of the drone strikes reportedly hit a gasoline tank containing around 4.5 million liters of fuel, igniting a significant fire. Another strike damaged a tank holding untreated naphtha. In light of these incidents, the NOC declared a state of emergency in the affected area and called on authorities to investigate the attacks, although no group has yet claimed responsibility.
The ongoing energy crisis is occurring against a backdrop of political instability in Libya. Since the overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been mired in turmoil, with a political divide between rival administrations in Tripoli and the eastern regions. This division has frequently disrupted oil production and complicated efforts to stabilize the nation’s energy sector.
As protests continue and public frustration grows, the Libyan government faces increasing pressure to restore reliable electricity and address the underlying issues contributing to the ongoing crisis. The situation remains fluid, with residents demanding immediate action to improve their living conditions amidst the sweltering heat and ongoing power shortages.