What’s happening in Lebanon?

The continuing economic crisis in Lebanon has left many unable to buy basic food items. The country is suffering its worst economic crisis in 40 years; millions have lost their jobs and the value of the Lebanese pound (lira) has reached record lows.

Food items now cost around five times as much as they did in 2019; a litre of milk can now be purchased for around 10,000 lira (about £5), whilst 1.5 litres of cooking oil costs around 31,000 lira or roughly £15.

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, Lebanon is also facing shortages in medicine. This is due to the Central Bank threatening to remove subsidies, triggering panic buying.

Poverty has now risen to around 50%, whilst in 2020 a report by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia found that Lebanon had one of the most unequal wealth distributions around the world.

Since October 2019, thousands of people have protested across the country to demand an end to widespread corruption and tax increases. Many Lebanese banks have now limited the amount of dollars customers can withdraw, which has only increased the sense of outrage amongst Lebanese citizens.

This is compounded by the fact that, seven months after Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s resignation following the port blast, no government has been formed. Fears are growing that the discontent amongst the Lebanese people will explode into violence.

The Lebanese people have been expressing their frustrations with the ongoing impasse and economic crisis via peaceful protests, however some of these have been met by military force.

Here at Embrace, our partners are working hard to support families in dire need of assistance. We ask that you pray for them and that a positive way forward is found amongst the political classes.