PUBLIC ANGER ON THE BOIL
• Lebanese demand answers • Leaders vow to put culprits behind bars • German diplomat killed in the blast • Good chance of finding survivors, say French rescue team
Residents of Beirut vented their fury at Lebanon’s leaders on Thursday during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, blaming them for the deadly explosion that ravaged the capital. Shouting, “Revolution!” they crowded around the visiting leader who promised to press the politicians for reform.
For many Lebanese, Tuesday’s giant blast was the last straw after years of corruption and mismanagement by a political elite that has ruled for decades.
The blast, which killed more than 145 people, wounded thousands and left tens of thousands homeless, is believed to have been caused when a fire touched off a stockpile of 2,750 tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate that authorities left sitting in a warehouse for years — despite a customs official’s repeated warnings.
Macron visited the devastated port and toured a hard-hit neighborhood lined with heavily damaged buildings. A crowd gathered around him and shouted their anger, chanting, “Revolution!” and “The people want to bring down the regime!” — slogans used at mass protests last year.
Macron told them he would speak to Lebanon’s political leaders.
“I will propose to them a new political pact this afternoon,” he said. “I will be back on the first of September and if they can’t do it, I will keep my responsibility toward you.”
He also promised that French aid would be given out with transparency and “will not go into the hands of corruption.” France once governed Lebanon as a protectorate and maintains close ties.
Elsewhere, he said his visit was “an opportunity to have a frank and challenging dialogue with the Lebanese political powers and institutions.” France will work to coordinate aid, he said, but warned that “if reforms are not made, Lebanon will continue to sink.”
There have been widespread pledges of international aid to Lebanon, but the country has been mired in a severe economic crisis and faces a daunting challenge in rebuilding. It’s unclear how much support the international community will offer the notoriously corrupt and dysfunctional government.
The disaster may also have accelerated the country’s coronavirus outbreak, as thousands flooded into hospitals. Tens of thousands have had to move in with relatives and friends after their homes were damaged, further raising the risks of exposure.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab and President Michel Aoun have promised to put the culprits behind bars, but trust in institutions is low and few on Beirut’s streets held out hope for an impartial inquiry.
A German diplomat was killed in the huge explosion in Beirut, the first confirmed German fatality, as the country’s foreign minister expressed his condolences on Thursday over the tragedy.
“All of us at the foreign ministry are in deep mourning for our colleague,” said Heiko Maas in a statement. He added that the female employee had died in her apartment in the Lebanese capital.
A French rescuer said on Thursday that there is a “good chance” of finding survivors of the Beirut port explosion, especially a group believed to be trapped in a room under the rubble.
“We are looking for seven or eight missing people, who could be stuck in a control room buried by the explosion,” said a colonel leading a rescue team that arrived in Lebanon late on Wednesday.
“We think there is a good chance of finding... people alive,” he told French President Emmanuel Macron as he surveyed the scene of Tuesday’s explosion.
The head of Lebanon’s customs department, meanwhile, confirmed in an interview with LBC TV on Wednesday that officials had sent five or six letters over the years to the judiciary, asking that the ammonium nitrate be removed because of its dangers.
Badri Daher said that all he could do was alert authorities to its presence, saying even that was “extra work” for him and his predecessor.
I don’t believe any investigation they will do. They destroyed the country and they’re still lying to the people.” Jean Abi Hanna, A retired port worker
We can’t bear more than this. This is it. The whole system has got to go.” Mohammad Suyur, 30-year-old Lebanese
If we had a real state, it would have been in the street since last night cleaning and working. Where are they?” Melissa Fadlallah, A volunteer cleaner
We’re sending people into the damaged homes of the elderly and handicapped to help them find a home for tonight.” Husam Abu Nasr, A 30-year-old volunteer
Lebanon’s political class should be on guard in the weeks ahead. Shock will inevitably turn to anger.” Faysal Itani, of think-tank the Center for Global Policy
I SEE THE EMOTION ON YOUR FACE, THE SADNESS, THE PAIN. THIS IS WHY I’M HERE.” Emmanuel Macron, French President