The wave of protests and civil disobedience in Libya's capital, Tripoli, is expanding, with new areas joining the movement demanding the ousting of the National Unity Government amidst an ongoing electricity crisis and increasing public outrage over deteriorating services.
The Tajoura movement announced its participation in the comprehensive civil disobedience campaign, stating in a declaration that protests will continue until the "governments in both the east and west of the country" are overthrown. Meanwhile, in Souq Al Jumaa, several public institutions were shut down as part of the initial phase of the declared protest.
The Souq Al Jumaa movement clarified that the first phase targets state institutions and public companies without disrupting roads or affecting civilians, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the actions.
It was reported that offices of various entities, including telecom companies Libyana and Almadar and branches of the Central Bank of Libya in Souq Al Jumaa, were closed as part of the disobedience. The public is encouraged to join the peaceful demonstrations.
The city of Al Zawiya also announced its participation in the protests, amid calls to extend the civil disobedience movement to other regions beyond the capital.
Spreading Protests
In recent hours, protests have spread to key areas in Tripoli, as demonstrators blocked the Al Nibras square with burning tires roughly two kilometers from the Prime Minister's Office on Sikka Road. Protesters also closed off the Ghiran roundabout, a significant western entry point to the capital, causing traffic disruptions.
Activities have also spread to Ain Zara, south of the capital, where demonstrators gathered and blocked main roads, signaling a widening protest scope.
Local sources reported that an armed group linked to the government fired upon protesters in Janzour, though no official information on injuries or circumstances has been released.
A circulated video showed protesters blocking the Foreign Ministry headquarters with dirt piles, marking an escalation in ongoing protests.
Electricity Crisis
These developments follow protests triggered by frequent power outages, which evolved into demands for the downfall of the National Unity Government and calls for accountability over corruption issues, seen as central to the collapse of the electricity sector and public services.
Responding officially to the protests, the National Unity Government's Protection and Security Force for the Prime Minister's Office released a statement affirming that citizens' security is a priority, warning that "anyone attempting to harm the nation's security or target state institutions will face firm action in accordance with the law."
The force stated it would take legal steps against any entity or individual disturbing public order, urging citizens to remain wise and not be swayed by "calls aimed at inciting chaos or harming public and private property." They stressed that freedom of expression is a legal right, but does not extend to attacking state institutions or threatening public security.