On 31 March, there were protests in Zawiyya after Friday prayers by residents calling for an end to the state of lawlessness in the city and the elimination of drug dealers, criminals and smugglers. The protesters accused the Zawiyya Security Directorate and the Zawiyya Municipal Council as being directly responsible due to their weakness and neglect in performing basic duties and services. The protesters gave the head of the Security Directorate one month to impose security, crack down on smuggling and eliminate fuel sales points on the roads. They also called on the sheikhs and notables of the city to lift the social cover for criminals and smugglers, warning officials that they will declare a state of civil disobedience if their demands are not met.
