Mass protests spread throughout Libya calling for political change and improved living standards

Jul 1, 2022 | Libyan actors

On 1 July, mass unstructured protests took place throughout Libya, triggered by deteriorating living conditions and the ongoing political deadlock. The protests were largely unstructured, with different groups in Libya’s towns, regions, and cities organising separately. In western Libya, notable protests occurred in Tripoli, Zawiyya, Misrata, and Tarhouna; in central Libya in Sirte and Jufra; and in Eastern Libya in al-Bayda and Benghazi. Material destruction is reported to have occurred in Tubruq, Misrata, Tahouna and Sebha. The political demands of the protestors differed from city to city. Some expressed discontent with the Government of National Unity (GNU), others with the Government of National Stability (GNS), others with the House of Representatives (HoR) and its speaker, Aqeela Saleh. There were pockets of protests both for and against Saif al-Islam Qadhafi. However, across Libya all protestors were united in their expression of frustration with the deterioration of living conditions, specifically increased food and fuel prices, lengthy power cuts, and limited access to cash. Across the board, political elites were condemned for their kleptocratic practices and failure to provide meaningful political representation.