Lebanon’s Entire Government Resigns
A week after the massive explosion in Beirut, the Lebanese government has fallen due to violent civilian protests.
On 4th August a strong explosion occurred at a port in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The explosion was because 2,750 tonne of explosive ammonium nitrate exploded. The explosive material was unsafely stored at the port since 2013 and authorities did nothing about it despite the many warnings about its dangers. The blast killed 160 people and wounded 6,000. 3 lakh people are homeless because their homes were destroyed in the blasts. The blast destroyed their main port, which conducted the majority export of the country. Losses are around $10 billion - $15 billion. Because of the blasts the people of Lebanon are extremely angry with the government. There were violent protests across Lebanon with people saying the government was corrupt and neglected the people. Security forces in Lebanon had to use teargas to control the protests. PM Hassan Diab has handed the resignation of the Cabinet Ministers to President Michel Aoun.
Until the new government is formed the old cabinet ministers will assume a caretaker role. The Lebanese State Security Agency is now investigating why the explosives were kept at the port and nothing was done. 20 people have been questioned and detained, including the head of Lebanon’s custom’s department as well as the head of the port. World Leaders and international organisations have pledged to give nearly $300 million as humanitarian aid to Beirut. But all leaders have warned that the money will be given only when the lebanese authorities made economic and political changes as per the wishes of the citizens.
Correction: 160 people died in the Beirut explosion.
