Last week, Lebanon’s capital Beirut was shaken by a massive explosion that destroyed several parts of the city, killed nearly 220 people and left more than 200,000 people homeless. People recalled the aftermath of the devastating blast caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored for six years in a warehouse in the city’s port, reported The Indian Express.
Man in car dies after recording deadly explosion in Beruit Tuesday, Aug 3, 2020.😪😱😭😲
pic.twitter.com/froL3pdopY#OMG #JesusMatters #Terrorism #prayforbeirut #Beriut #beruitexplosion #Beirut_Explosion #BeriutBlast— Stonie Homie (@HomieStonie) August 5, 2020
Even though people came down to clean the debris, the alleged negligence of the authorities sparked widespread public anger. As the anger escalated, protestors took to the streets and accused the country’s leaders of ‘culpability through their alleged negligence and corruption,’ reports BBC.
Now, following the widespread anger of the citizens, Lebanon’s cabinet has resigned, reports Forbes. The announcement was made in a national TV address by Prime Minister of Lebanon Hassan Diab on Monday, 10th August, evening.
The ENTIRE Lebanon government has resigned after the Beirut blast.
At least in some country, the government is taking responsibility. https://t.co/kgjH9o2yre
— Ruchira Chaturvedi (@RuchiraC) August 10, 2020
The Wall Street Journal quoted him saying:
“I set out to combat corruption, but I discovered that corruption is bigger than the state. I declare today the resignation of this government. God bless Lebanon.”
“We are facing an earthquake that struck the country, with all its humanitarian, social, economic and national repercussions.”
#UPDATE
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announcing his resignation. "The corrupt system is far bigger than the Lebanese government," he said.Many in Lebanon are calling for all MPs to resign. Hezbollah & Iran should be evicted.#Beirut#حزب_الله_الارهابي pic.twitter.com/dPxHY7MR3q
— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) August 10, 2020
He further added, “Today we follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster that has been in hiding for seven years, and their desire for real change.”
الرئيس دياب مغادراً قصر بعبدا: الله يحمي لبنان .. "هيدا اللي بقدر قولو" pic.twitter.com/RSrQBLmbyj
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) August 10, 2020
Addressing the media, Lebanon’s Health Minister Hamad Hassan said that “the whole government resigned” and that the Prime Minister will go to the presidential palace to “hand over the resignation in the name of all the ministers.”
Lebanese protester sending a tear bomb back at riot police during #beirutprotests against corrupt government today. #بيروت
📷: Sergio Keserwani pic.twitter.com/7PcUy3CqY9— Jean-Paul Salameh (@About_JeanPaul) August 9, 2020
Several key ministers and at least nine members of parliament announced their resignations. Post the announcement, Lebanese President Michel Aoun asked the cabinet members to continue to serve in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.
It’s not every day that a government succumbs to the voice of the people. This is impressive, Lebanon, very impressive. || Lebanon’s Entire Government Just Resigned Over Beirut Explosion https://t.co/avoxRwm0qW
— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) August 10, 2020
Reports indicated that the people were outraged on knowing that the Lebanese government was aware of the explosive materials being stored at the port and their disposal had been requested multiple times.
The future of Lebanon is uncertain but let’s hope the country recovers from the loss and stands on its feet again.