A week after the catastrophic explosion that razed the port of Beirut and claimed the lives of dozens of people, the project director of a Lebanese organization is optimistic about the future of the city and the country.
• Read also: Explosions in Beirut: Montrealers worried about their loved ones
• Read also: Lebanon: Prime Minister announces the resignation of the government
“I am an optimist,” explains Christian Kamel, from the NGO Fair Trade Lebanon, to QUB radio. I believe there is hope, an incredible young succession. We must start by balancing this government in place. It will be done with this new generation. I have never had so many calls from friends who want to come and help. There is a feeling of disgust, but at the same time, it has whipped up the troops a bit not to give up. ”
On Monday, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced the resignation of his government, under pressure from the streets who accused the government of being corrupt, incompetent and responsible for the explosion.
“The shock is still there,” adds Mr. Kamel. A lot of people have suffered traumas, concussions. People are hypersensitive and nerves are on edge. There is a lot of anxiety. ”
The latter also asserts that “the State is completely absent” and that the people are left to fend for themselves to clean the streets.
“The work that has been done is incredible,” he says.
- LISTEN to Christian Kamel’s full interview: