While Lebanese officials targeted in the investigation into the massive blast that tore through Beirut sought to shift blame for the presence of explosives at the city's port, visiting French president Emmanuel Macron warned Thursday that without serious reforms the country would "continue to sink," reports CBC.
The explosion Tuesday, which appeared to have been caused by an accidental fire that ignited a stockpile of ammonium nitrate at the port, rippled across the Lebanese capital, killing at least 135 people, injuring more than 5,000 and causing widespread destruction. In addition to Lebanese natives, the dead have included Canadian and American citizens, as well as a German diplomat.
It also may have accelerated the country's coronavirus outbreak, as thousands flooded into hospitals in the wake of the blast. Tens of thousands have been forced to move in with relatives and friends after their homes were damaged, further raising the risks of exposure.
President Macron visited Thursday amid widespread pledges of international aid, including from Canada. Switzerland confirmed it has sent a team of specialists including engineers and logistics experts at Lebanon's request, while Britain is sending a Royal Navy ship to help with clean-up and reconstruction efforts at the port.
But Lebanon, which was already mired in a severe economic crisis, faces a daunting challenge in rebuilding. It's unclear how much support the international community will offer the notoriously corrupt and dysfunctional government.
Macron, who viewed the devastated port and was to meet with senior Lebanese officials, said the visit is "an opportunity to have a frank and challenging dialogue with the Lebanese political powers and institutions."
He said France will work to co-ordinate aid, but warned that "if reforms are not made, Lebanon will continue to sink."
Later, as he toured one of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods, an angry crowd vented its fury at Lebanon's political leaders, chanting "Revolution" and, "The people want to bring down the regime," slogans used during mass protests last year.
Macron said he was not there to endorse the "regime" and vowed that French aid would not fall into the "hands of corruption."
Macron said France will organize an international fundraising conference with European, American, Middle Eastern and other donors to raise money for food, medicine, housing and other urgent aid.