The Independent newspaper reported today, Saturday, that Libya ranks first among African countries in terms of foreign currency reserves, yet it continues to suffer from power outages, disrupted water supplies, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequate basic services.
The newspaper added that around 43 percent of Libyans live below the poverty line, while the unemployment rate stands at 18.6 percent and approaches 50 percent among young people. Despite massive oil revenues, a large share of government spending goes toward salaries, fuel and energy subsidies, and current expenditures, rather than development, healthcare, education, and job creation projects.
The newspaper noted that Libyan citizens continue to struggle under the weight of multiple crises, with frequent power outages, unstable water supplies, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising poverty indicators.
The newspaper further stated that Libya is ranked among the countries with the highest unemployment rates in the region, while youth unemployment has risen to levels approaching 50 percent among those aged 15–24, according to the newspaper.
