War could leave Libyans without water

Significance

Greater Tripoli is particularly vulnerable to any disruption of the infrastructure, while the COVID-19 pandemic makes adequate water supply to the capital and other urban centres even more critical.

Impacts

• Fresh disruption of water supplies would fuel public anger and exacerbate social unrest, probably causing more armed clashes.
• Service disruptions and unrest would worsen tensions within the Government of National Accord, further undermining its authority.
• Water shortages will also undercut efforts to develop Libya’s agricultural sector as a way of diversifying its oil-dependent economy.