Five years on, Lebanon reflects on Beirut port explosion

August 4th marked the five-year anniversary of Lebanon’s 2020 Beirut port blast, as reported by The National. The port blast brought devastation to the capital, killing over 220 people. Thousands were also injured following the explosion.

The explosion occurred when almost 3,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate detonated. Notably, the ammonium nitrate had not been stored properly.

A silos shielded various neighbourhoods from a part of the blast’s impact, and was damaged from the explosion. Many families of the victims of the port blast have made their wishes known in wanting the silos to be preserved as a physical symbol of the loss they have endured. 

On August 3rd, Lebanon’s Culture Minister, Ghassan Salameh, agreed to a decision that would add the silos at the Beirut port to Lebanon’s general inventory of historic monuments. No alterations can now be made to them if there is no approval from the Directorate General of Antiquities to do so. 

Despite the fact that five years have passed since the blast, no accountability has been established concerning the incident. Lebanon’s investigation has been held up on numerous occasions. The lead investigator, Tarek Bitar, has previously been threatened and made to end the case. 

In the context of Lebanon’s new government that came into power this year, however, there is a possibility of hope. The government has claimed that justice is its top priority regarding the blast. The case was reopened this year, and several top officials have been questioned. These officials had previously refused to go to hearings.

On August 4th, Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, paid tribute to the victims of the blast. He assured that authorities, through all available means, were working “to ensure that the investigations continue,” and to “bring all those responsible to justice.”

UN special co-ordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has also commented on the matter. Hennis-Plasschaert said: “Five years on, tragedy and pain are compounded by the glaring absence of justice.” She also said: “Survivors and victims, and their families, deserve full accountability. And, they deserve it now.”

Deferent governments in Middle Eastern nations have been viewed as inadequate in dealing with major tragedies. The bombing of St. Elias Church in Damascus, Syria on June 22nd prompted Christian leaders to accuse their government of silence and a lack of action. 

The National, Maghrebi.org