Protesters clash in Kut over 12-hour power cuts

Clashes erupted in Kut, Iraq, on Monday as protesters stormed the Wasit Governorate Council building to demand better electricity supplies amid record summer temperatures. Demonstrators, frustrated by daily blackouts that last up to 12 hours, threw stones at security forces who responded with tear gas and live warning shots. At least six people were injured, including two police officers, as the standoff stretched into the evening.

Power cuts have plagued Iraq for years, but the crisis has worsened in 2024 due to rising demand, crumbling infrastructure, and delays in repairing or replacing aging power plants. Kut, a city of 400,000 in southern Iraq, has been hit especially hard because its local grid relies on outdated systems from the 1980s. Protests flared in June after the government failed to deliver promised fixes, mirroring unrest in Basra, Baghdad, and other cities where citizens have taken to the streets over similar grievances.

The Wasit Governorate Council has been a frequent target of anger. Last week, demonstrators set fire to tires outside the building, blocking roads. Local officials say they lack the funds and authority to solve the problem, while Baghdad blames corruption and mismanagement at the provincial level. Iraq’s electricity minister has promised new generators and repairs by next month, but scepticism runs deep among citizens who have heard such pledges before.

What happens next could set the tone for Iraq’s summer. If the government fails to deliver, protests are likely to spread, especially in southern provinces where temperatures regularly exceed 50°C (122°F). The ruling coalition, already under pressure over corruption and failing services, could face more instability. For now, Kut remains tense, with security forces on high alert and residents bracing for another night without power.