Residents of Diwaniyah, Iraq, took to the streets in protest against power cuts and water shortages exacerbated by the scorching summer heat. Decades of war have left the country’s infrastructure in shambles, with temperatures in the southern province reaching up to 50ÂșC. Villages in Diwaniyah have been grappling with water scarcity due to a prolonged drought and diminished river flows.
Approximately 500 demonstrators rallied outside the municipality building in Shafeiya village, demanding improved services. Frustrated by limited electricity supply and lack of water for agriculture, protester Youssef Kamel expressed the widespread plight felt by the community.
Last week, protests erupted outside electricity department offices in Ghamas district, resulting in clashes with police and multiple detentions. Iraq, a major oil producer, paradoxically struggles with energy shortages, relying on imports to meet its needs.
The ongoing grievances over corruption, unemployment, and power outages sparked a series of deadly protests in 2019-2020, signaling a deep-seated discontent within the population.