Article author:
Reuters
Tripoli — Friday, protests against Libya's chronic power cuts struck several cities. People bravely confronted the wrath of the armed groups and expressed anger at the government's failure to afflict their lives during the hot summer months.
Hundreds of people gathered in Tripoli's Martyrs Square, demanding electricity and shouting slogans to attack both of their two rival governments in conflict. This is the biggest protest in at least two years.
Small-scale protests by dozens of demonstrators also took place in Benghazi and Tobruk, and in some small towns, putting anger at the situation at the forefront of power among rival factions in the country. It shows how it is spreading.
"We're sick, we're sick! The country wants to beat the government! I want electricity!" Protesters at Tripoli He chanted and chanted to demand an election.
Around Martyrs' Square, I could see the army to which the police and gendarmerie belonged.
In the town of Arcuba in eastern Libya, dozens of residents have demanded the collapse of all governments and political groups due to low living standards.
Libya's electricity sector has been eroded by years of war and political turmoil, stopping investment, hindering maintenance work and sometimes damaging infrastructure.
The interim unified government established last year promised to solve the problem, but signed work contracts at several power plants, but nothing was in operation and more due to political controversy. Work is hindered.
Meanwhile, the eastern-based parliament has appointed Fati Bashaga as head of new government, despite the refusal of the transfer of power by interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dobeiba. Conflicts can make things worse.
Eastern-based factions have blocked oil facilities, reduced fuel supplies to major power plants, and caused more power outages.
(Report by Ahmed Elumami of Tripoli and Aymanal-Sahily of Benghazi, Written by Angus McDowall, Edited by Raissa Kasolowsky)
