Protesters in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, have significantly intensified their civil disobedience campaign, leading to widespread shutdowns of roads and public institutions. This movement, which arose in response to persistent power outages along with escalating electricity costs, is garnering attention across the city as it rapidly expands into new districts.
On a recent Sunday evening, demonstrators congregated at the coastal road in Janzour, situated to the west of Tripoli, effectively blocking traffic. They also gathered outside the West Tripoli power station and ensconced the local municipal council building to highlight their grievances regarding the ongoing power shortages.
Video evidence circulating on social media, confirmed by USA Zine, depicts protesters setting fire to tires and obstructing key thoroughfares throughout the capital. Notably, images captured show demonstrators unloading a truck filled with dirt in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, located in the Sater Turba district— a strategic move aimed at rendering the facility inoperative.
The movement, primarily driven by dynamic younger citizens, has also targeted the offices of Libyana, the state telecommunications operator, located in Souq Al-Jumaa. In their expressions of discontent, protesters have displayed banners that call into question the effectiveness of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s administration.
The Souq Al-Jumaa Movement, which initiated this campaign, has maintained a stance of opposition against the Government of National Unity since May 2025. Their articulated goal is to “completely paralyse the government,” a tactic intended to foster accountability regarding alleged corruption while simultaneously advocating for the dissolution of certain political institutions, including the government and various councils currently in power.
The unrest, which has also reached the district of Tajoura, has seen the Tajoura Families and Youth Movement join the fray, announcing a complete boycott of state institutions. Their rationale stems from demands for improved services, emphasizing the failures in electricity, water, education, and healthcare delivery. Moreover, the public has expressed indignation over ongoing fuel and liquidity shortages, exacerbated by concerns that officials are more invested in political rivalries than in resolving these pressing issues.
In recent weeks, blackouts in Tripoli have extended for as long as 10 hours daily. The state-run General Electricity Company has been compelled to reimplement load-shedding measures, a stark contrast to the stability witnessed during the past two years. This development is amplifying existing frustrations among the populace, who are grappling with soaring inflation and a volatile currency amidst an enduring political deadlock.
In a separate yet relevant note, Massad Boulos, the White House adviser for African affairs, recently engaged in a constructive dialogue with Dbeibah, focusing on steps toward a more unified Libya. This conversation included discussions on essential security cooperation between the eastern and western factions of the country. Boulos emphasized Washington’s commitment to supporting Libya’s unification aimed at achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity.
As the situation in Libya unfolds, the voices of its youth and their demands for accountability and reform seem destined to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
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