Lebanese minister quits as anger and unrest over Beirut blast grows
information minister has resigned as the country grapples with the aftermath of the devastating blast that ripped through the capital and raised public anger to new levels.
The resignation comes as anger mounts against the ruling elite, blamed for the chronic mismanagement and corruption believed to be behind the explosion in a Beirut Port warehouse.
Hundreds of tons of highly explosive material was stored in the waterfront hangar, and a blast sent a shockwave that killed at least 160 people, wounded nearly 6,000 and defaced the coastline of Beirut — destroying hundreds of buildings.
Manal Abdel-samad said in her resignation letter that change remained “elusive” and that she regrets failing to fulfil the aspirations of the Lebanese people.
“Given the magnitude of the catastrophe caused by the Beirut earthquake that shook the nation and hurt our hearts and minds, and in respect for the martyrs, and the pains of the wounded, missing and displaced, and in response to the public will for change, I resign from the GOVLEBANON’S ernment,” she wrote. The disaster fuelled angry demonstrations on Saturday where protesters set up gallows and nooses in central Beirut and held mock hanging sessions of cut-out cardboard images of top Lebanese officials.
Demonstrators held signs that read “resign or hang”.
The protests quickly turned violent when the demonstrators pelted stones at the security forces, who responded with heavy volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets.
One police officer was killed and dozens of people were hurt in confrontations that lasted for hours.
Protesters also fanned out around the city, storming a couple of government ministries.
They briefly took over the foreign ministry, saying it will be their movement’s headquarters.
In the economy and energy ministries the protesters ransacked offices and seized public documents claiming they would reveal how corruption has permeated successive governments.
Five of the parliament’s 128 members have also announced their resignation since Saturday.
Ms Abdel-samad’s resignation comes amid reports that another government official — the environment minister — is expected to resign, adding to the challenges facing Prime Minister Hassan Diab.
Meanwhile, the UK International Development Secretary has pledged to “stand by the Lebanese people” and promised another £20m in aid following the devastating explosion in Beirut, in addition to £5m already given by the UK Government.
Anne-marie Trevelyan said: “Today the world is coming together to stand by the Lebanese people, and as one of the biggest donors to this crisis so far, the UK is pledging more urgent support to help all those affected by this terrible disaster.”