Protests erupt in Libya’s Tripoli as anger grows over power cuts

by | Jul 27, 2026 | World

Protests erupt in Libya’s Tripoli as anger grows over power cuts

Civil disobedience protests erupted across Tripoli as residents demonstrated against extended electrical outages and elevated utility costs. Activists blocked major roadways, including the coastal road in Janzour west of the city, and gathered outside power generation facilities to voice their grievances. Verified video footage documented demonstrators burning tires through the early morning hours and obstructing key thoroughfares throughout the capital. In one instance, protesters deposited earth in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in the Sater Turba district to prevent access.

The Souq Al-Jumaa Movement, which has opposed the Government of National Unity since May 2025, initiated the campaign with the stated objective of creating widespread government disruption while minimizing impact on ordinary citizens. The group demanded accountability for suspected corrupt practices and called for the abolition of Libya’s principal political bodies, encompassing the government, House of Representatives, State Council, and Presidential Council. Protest activity expanded to include the closure of offices operated by state telecommunications provider Libyana in the Souq Al-Jumaa district, where demonstrators displayed banners criticizing Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.

Unrest spread eastward to the town of Tajoura, where the Tajoura Families and Youth Movement announced plans to implement a comprehensive boycott of state institutions commencing Monday. The movement opposed both the unity government framework and the House of Representatives, citing deteriorating conditions in electricity supply, water availability, education, healthcare, and persistent shortages of fuel, liquidity, and medicines. Officials characterized current governance as preoccupied with political division rather than service delivery.

Power disruptions in Tripoli and surrounding areas have reached levels of up to 10 hours daily, prompting the state utility to implement load-shedding procedures following two years of improved network stability. The outages compound longstanding grievances regarding inflation, currency instability, fuel shortages, and Libya’s ongoing political impasse. The Government of National Unity issued no immediate response to the demonstrations.

Separately, White House African Affairs Adviser Massad Boulos reported having held discussions with Prime Minister Dbeibah regarding unification efforts, security coordination between eastern and western Libyan factions, and enhanced military cooperation frameworks. Washington reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Libya’s unification objectives to advance stability and economic advancement.

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