Coronavirus: in Lebanon, manifestation of hunger in full confinement

Text by: RFI Follow

Hundreds of Lebanese have defied the confinement rules this Sunday evening to protest against the deterioration of their living conditions. The coronavirus epidemic is paralyzing the country and exacerbating the unprecedented economic crisis that has affected Lebanon for several months. In the southern suburbs of Beirut and in the northern city of Tripoli, the same angry cries echoed in the streets, despite the curfew in force.

Publicity

with our correspondent in Beirut, Eliott Brachet

From his balcony, a Tripoli resident filmed a spontaneous march through the streets of the city center. It is past 7 pm, the whole city is confined, except a few dozen demonstrators who defy the curfew .

For them, the coronavirus is not the only emergency. " Don't confine us, feed us ! », They chant. A slogan reminiscent of the double crisis in Lebanon: the coronavirus epidemic is worsening the economic slump . And it is the most disadvantaged fringes of the country who suffer the most, explains Nazih Fino, director of the NGO Seeds, very active in one of the poorest cities in Lebanon.

“ The situation in Tripoli is very difficult, deplores Nazih Fino. Especially for people who do daily odd jobs: taxi drivers, street vendors, those on low incomes. They don't have anything to eat or drink. They are lost ! That's why they demonstrate. And then the economic crisis does not help anything. The dollar is very expensive. All prices have doubled. People are tired of it all. The situation is critical. "

Check for 30 euros per family

In Lebanon, as elsewhere, containment suffocates the poor and state aid is long overdue. Checks for 30 euros per family and food baskets should be distributed in certain areas of the city, but not for several weeks.

Last October, the already dire economic situation had pushed a large part of the Lebanese on the streets , against the government and against corruption. This time they go out because they are hungry.

This Monday, when the wages of the employees have just been paid at the end of the month, the Lebanese were numerous to hurry in front of the ATMs and the supermarkets, in spite of the rules of confinement.

► Read also: Coronavirus in Lebanon: can the health system cope?

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