Protest over power outages in Wasit’s Sheikh Saad turns violent

WASIT — Residents and farmers of Sheikh Saad, located east of Wasit Governorate, staged a protest on Saturday in front of the local power station, demanding improved electricity supplies amid prolonged and repeated outages. The demonstration escalated into clashes with security forces, resulting in minor injuries on both sides and the arrest of several protesters.

Iraq’s electricity sector faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, inefficient transmission networks, and a growing demand that outpaces supply. Despite substantial investments, the country struggles to meet its energy needs, leading to frequent power outages that disrupt daily life and economic activities.

“This is the second protest by the residents and farmers of the area against the worsening electricity supply, which has reached unprecedented lows,” said Ahmad Ali, a local farmer, in an interview with 964media. “In recent days, we’ve had [grid] electricity for five hours or less. This situation is destroying our agricultural production and small local trades, leaving us helpless. We cannot irrigate our crops or operate irrigation equipment, while neighboring areas in Maysan enjoy up to 20 hours of electricity per day.”

The protest took a violent turn after demonstrators blocked the road leading to the power station. According to a 964media correspondent, clashes broke out between security forces and protesters, causing minor injuries to a police officer, several security personnel, and multiple demonstrators.

Following the escalation, reinforcements from Kut arrived and detained several protesters. Meanwhile, local government officials and tribal leaders intervened to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.

Iraq’s persistent electricity shortages have ignited widespread protests across the nation, particularly during periods of extreme temperatures in both summer and winter. In cities like Basra and Baghdad, citizens have taken to the streets to express their frustration over the lack of reliable power.