Abu Snina writes: “The Economic and Psychological Effects of a Constant State of Waiting and Anticipation”

Economic expert Mohamed Abu Snina wrote in an article:

“For years, Libyans have been accustomed to waiting—whether to obtain a commodity or service, to complete a certain procedure, to hear news that affects their interests, or to follow events in the country, including the UN Secretary-General’s envoy briefings to the Security Council, which have become events many await.

Libyans have long stood in queues for hours to get fuel (gasoline or diesel), with no guarantee of getting it at the last moment—sometimes the fuel supplied to a station runs out just as your car reaches the pump.

People wait for the moment the power is cut due to load shedding, often without a set schedule, which also means waiting for the moment electricity returns. Between these two moments lies much suffering and anxiety. People wait for their salaries, which are paid on different dates each month. They live in a state of hope and fear, expecting the outbreak of armed clashes in their areas due to periodic threats between armed groups. Today, people are also anticipating changes in the exchange rate policy—will the foreign currency rate drop, or will it rise?

Should one wait for a new exchange rate before acting, or is it better to proceed with opening a letter of credit and buying foreign currency now to avoid a higher rate—especially amid the flood of mixed statements on the matter? In this environment of uncertainty, speculation in the market intensifies.

Another familiar scene is standing in long queues at banks in search of cash—again, with no guaranteed result.

In a state of anticipation, waiting, and uncertainty:
You cannot plan to achieve any goal—social or economic—since there is no guarantee you will reach your workplace the next morning, fulfill a social obligation, or attend a meeting on time. Roads could easily be blocked by an angry group or a tent set up for a social event.

You cannot schedule a financial commitment based on when you receive your monthly salary, as the payment method can change unexpectedly—from cash lists to transfers—causing delays in depositing salaries.

For business owners providing services to government bodies, there is no guarantee of receiving payments on time; they must wait, sometimes for months.

Even those arranging travel abroad may secure an outbound booking but still have to wait for confirmation of the return date.

The worst state for any society is one of instability, uncertainty, fear, and anticipation.

“Waiting can have negative psychological effects such as anxiety, stress, frustration, dissatisfaction, or despair, along with sleep disorders, fatigue, and physical pain. It may also lead to postponing life goals and losing a sense of purpose or motivation, creating a feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward.”

The consequences include:

• Wasted time and effort
• Lower productivity and loss of motivation
• Decline in economic activity
• Poor use of economic resources
• Slower economic growth
• Stalled development efforts
• Loss of opportunities and higher costs
• Rising prices of goods and services
• Increased operational losses for public and private institutions
• Higher rates of corruption, destructive social phenomena, and public money waste

The above is a description and diagnosis of the situation. As for the cure, it is a long story. In short: speed up the establishment of the state, end division and fragmentation, and build a state of law and institutions. “There is no life with despair, and no despair with life.” May God grant safety and wise governance.”