Protests erupt in Libyan city over corruption
In Libya, the political and economic crisis has driven people to take to the streets of the country’s city of Zawiya, as reported by the Libya Herald on February 26th.
The black-market exchange rate of the Libyan dinar has plunged to more than 10.50 dinars per US dollar, triggering sharp price increases and further straining household budgets. At the same time, the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) and the House of Representatives (HoR) leadership have attempted to bring in new taxes on consumer goods, reinforcing public perceptions that living standards are rapidly deteriorating.
These protests come despite seemingly positive fiscal news. On February 25th, Libyan Tax Authority announced a landmark year for public revenue, stating that collections in 2025 reached their highest level since the institution’s founding. In an official statement, the Libyan Tax Authority reported total revenues of 3.98 billion Libyan dinars for 2025.
Earlier, on February 11th, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) unveiled the results of its first public bidding round in 17 years, offering 20 exploration blocks for oil and gas drilling. While this move has raised cautious optimism of recovery in oil production and trade, it could also deepen political divisions between Libya’s rival eastern and western authorities, as the NOC remains under the monopoly of the western-based government.
Despite Libya’s vast oil and gas reserves, ordinary citizens continue to face shortages of basic goods, fuel supply disruptions, and rising living costs. The protests in Zawiya reflect not only economic frustration but also profound political discontent. Demonstrators called for the overthrow of “all” political bodies and demanded an end to corruption.
Videos circulating on social media captured chants such as: “Those in charge are the enemies of God,” “The people want the downfall of the regime,” and “No to the east, no to the west Libya is one united nation.” Protesters set fire to the entrance of the Al-Sumud gate and blocked several streets in the city, expressing widespread anger over the current situation, according to Alwasat News.
The events in Zawiya underscore how deeply intertwined Libya’s economic hardship and political fragmentation remain, as citizens increasingly voice their frustration with a leadership they see as divided, ineffective, and unresponsive to their needs.
Libya Herald, Alwasat News, Maghrebi.org
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