The Lebanese government has resigned following the massive explosion at the Port of Beirut that killed more than 160 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless.
Prime Minister Hassan Diab addressed citizens to announce his resignation and that of his cabinet following the blast which he referred to as “disaster beyond measure”. He berated the ruling elite for fostering corruption that was bigger than the state itself and claimed that the resignations signify them standing with the people.
Prior to the resignations, large protests had taken place in the capital. Angry protestors threw stones, Molotov cocktails and other missiles at security forces who responded with tear gas.
The country was already suffering from near-economic collapse as well as struggling to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The blast which happened last Tuesday caused widespread damage and destruction and was caused by a stash of potentially explosive chemicals. It came to light that officials knew it was a risk and yet nothing was done to secure it.
Lebanon will now have to find its third prime minister in less than 12 months.
