Severe heatwaves trigger unrest in Libya

Demonstrations have been sweeping cities in Libya over the past few days, with protesters blocking roads, government buildings, and even storming an energy complex over rolling blackouts. The demonstrations have snowballed, however, into demands for the removal of governments in both eastern and western Libya. Surging demand for air conditioning during the current heatwave has exceeded electricity grid’s capacity, which has been stretched by years of underinvestment, theft, and mismanagement.