Demonstrators end civil disobedience action - in response to public demand or to pressure by security forces?

Demonstrators and activists across Libya have announced the end of their two-week civil disobedience campaign, which saw roads blocked with rubble and burning tires, and gates to state buildings welded shut. The movement, which began by protesting prolonged power cuts, had escalated to calls for the downfall of the government and state institutions.

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To our people in Tripoli and across all Libyan cities: We affirm that our actions over the past few days stemmed from our conviction that the voice of the people must be heard and that the suffering of citizens must not be neglected or ignored.

Despite calls for a large gathering in Tripoli's Martyr Square over the weekend, the expected popular uprising failed to materialize, with numbers falling short of expectations. This lack of momentum has raised questions about the underlying reasons for the sudden cessation of the protests.

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We also affirm that the electricity crisis the country has endured recently was among the issues requiring urgent action. This matter has been addressed, a key demand voiced by the citizens.

The "Soug Al-Juma Movement" issued a statement explaining their rationale, asserting that their actions stemmed from a conviction that the people's voice must be heard and their suffering addressed. They emphasized that their stance was rooted in the people's will and aimed to convey a message that citizens deserve a dignified life and better services.

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Following numerous requests from citizens and recognizing the extent of the suffering caused by the continued closure of (state and government) institutions, we have decided to reopen the facilities that were closed over the past two days. We do this in response to the people's wishes and in the interest of the public good.

The movement cited the electricity crisis as a key demand that has now been addressed. They also stated that the decision to reopen closed institutions was made in response to numerous public requests and in the interest of the public good, aiming to avoid increased suffering and disruption. The group stressed that this move does not signify a retreat from their demands but rather a responsible decision made in awareness of the country's difficult circumstances.

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We assure everyone that this step does not represent a retreat from legitimate demands. Instead, it is a position born of our sense of responsibility, our awareness of the difficult circumstances the country is facing, and our determination to ensure that ordinary citizens do not pay the price for ongoing crises.