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Tripoli power cuts fuel protests and civil disobedience
Extended power cuts in the Libyan capital Tripoli led to mass protests and civil disobedience actions following a call by the Suku'l-Cuma Movement. Demonstrators shut down state institutions, blocked roads, and protested the government's policies.
In the Libyan capital Tripoli, power cuts exceeding ten hours a day drove people to the streets. As part of civil disobedience actions launched by the Suku'l-Cuma Movement, roads were closed in many areas and protests were held in front of public buildings in the early morning hours.
Protesters blocked the coastal road in the Cenzur area, and in other areas they burned tires to shut down main roads. Demonstrators demanded the government improve electricity services.
According to the German news agency dpa, groups mostly consisting of young people began civil disobedience actions in the early morning hours. Hundreds gathered in front of the Libyana Telecom and Technology Company building in the Suku'l-Cuma municipality and shut it down. The activists carried banners criticizing the policies of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dibeybe's government.
Another group blocked the front of the Foreign Ministry building with dirt barriers. This action came after the Suku'l-Cuma Movement's statement on Sunday evening announcing that it would shut down all state institutions and public companies in the area.
Organizers of the movement, which has opposed the Government of National Unity since the clashes in May 2025, said their aim was to "completely paralyze the government" and that they did not intend to obstruct citizens' lives. The movement demanded the trial of those suspected of corruption and an end to existing political structures, including the government, the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, and the Presidential Council.
Other areas such as Tacura and Cenzur also joined the civil disobedience. In Cenzur, protesters gathered in front of the West Tripoli Power Plant to protest the power cuts.
While the Government of National Unity has not yet issued a statement, the Prime Ministry Protection and Security Force called on the public to remain calm and not to be drawn into rumors and calls aimed at causing chaos and damaging public and private property.
The power cuts, combined with a heatwave and rising consumption, reached over 10 hours a day in Tripoli and other areas. The General Electricity Company began implementing load shedding again after a period of relative stability over the past two years. The electricity crisis coincides with growing complaints about the cost of living, high prices, currency instability, and ongoing political division.
Meanwhile, US President's Advisor for African Affairs Massad Boulos announced that he had a productive phone call with Prime Minister Dibeybe. Boulos said the call discussed the necessary steps to advance Libya's unification efforts, including military and security cooperation between the east and west. He also noted that coordination and opportunities for joint work between Libyan forces and the US military command in Africa were discussed, and reiterated Washington's support for Libya's unity, peace, stability, and sustainable prosperity.
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