Libya protests over power cuts feature roadblocks and burning tyres

Roadblocks and burning tyres erupted across several Libyan cities on Tuesday as demonstrators protested widespread power cuts that have left thousands without electricity for hours. Protesters erected makeshift barriers on main thoroughfares in Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata, igniting tyres to signal their frustration and to deter police and security forces from dispersing the crowds. The unrest coincided with a scheduled load‑shedding plan announced by the state electricity company, which cited fuel shortages and damage to transmission infrastructure as the primary causes of the outages.

Authorities responded by deploying additional police units and urging residents to avoid the affected areas, while the Ministry of Electricity pledged to accelerate repairs and increase fuel supplies to the grid. Officials also warned that the protests could disrupt the delivery of essential services if the blockades persist. The situation remains fluid, with security forces monitoring the roadblocks and the government seeking to restore power amid ongoing economic and political challenges.