Tension builds again Libya: Protests flare up against the economic crisis (there are queues to buy bread and even to refuel) and the blockade of oil exports. A protest against the poor living conditions, with rising prices and the paradox of finding yourself without electricity in the country of oil, even up to 18 hours a day with temperatures reaching 45 degrees. TO Tobruk, in the east of the country, protesters attacked the seat of the national parliament, setting fire to numerous furnishings and burning the chamber's official documents. The flames destroyed many of the premises. Also in Misrata, the coastal city of the most aggressive militias, and in Sabha, in the Fezzan desert, administrative buildings were devastated. The demonstrations, on the other hand, were more peaceful a Tripoli, where, however, during the night there were shootings around the seat of government, in Sirte and in Benghazi.
There is not only the Russia-Ukraine war, it is also being fought in other parts of the world with wars or guerrilla wars which in some cases have been going on for years, as in Libya: the Country richest in oil in Africa it has been without peace since 2011, since the fall of Gaddafi, immersed in chaos since the beginning of the revolt set in motion by the so-called "Arab spring".
The anger of citizens is directed against the political class, judged incapable of giving concrete answers to daily problems, and of convening new elections, after the cancellation of those scheduled on December 24th. There has been a tug of war between months two governments who have been vying for power since March: one based in Tripoli and led by Abdel Amid Dbeibah from 2021 and another led by Fathi Bashagha and supported by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the man from Cyrenaica.
Blockades on oil wells drive up prices
The local crisis, however, could not but have repercussions on the energy sector: National Oil Corporation was forced to declare lo state of force majeure in the ports of Es Sider and Ras Lanuf and in the El Feel oil field, due to the continuous blockages of production and ports, which have severely paralyzed Libya's oil exports, causing a surge in crude oil prices.
A blockade of two major oil export terminals and several fields began in April. For the national body, this blockade has so far resulted in losses of 3,5 billion dollars, while exports have dropped by 865 barrels a day.
Prime Minister Dbeibah on the crisis in Libya: "Let's go to the vote"
"It is absolutely crucial that we remain calm and that the Libyan leadership is accountable." Thus, on Twitter, the entrepreneur Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, Libya's interim prime minister, reacted after the storming of the Libyan parliament in Tobruk - disputed by protesters as a "thief" and "traitor" - said he was ready to "join his voice" to protesters across the country : all political bodies must resign, including the government, and there is no way to do it except through elections”.
Once again the North African country seems to be back on the verge of civil war.
