Benghazi’s old city center has been transformed into a vibrant shopping hub, with Venice Street emerging as a major shopping and fashion hub, despite the devastation of the city’s war.
Stores have regained street popularity after the conflict ended in 2017, and sportswear and fashion stores are competing for shoppers’ attention, with residents now preferring to enjoy shopping and fashion rather than thinking about the essentials.
Companies with foreign brands are taking advantage of residents’ desire to enjoy shopping again after a three-year war in the city in which they were busy thinking about getting fuel or moving to safer areas.
Imports were limited after fighting between eastern Libyan forces led by Khalifa Haftar and his Islamist-dominated rivals led to the closure of the port of Benghazi.
Although most areas of the city still bear the effects of past conflicts, Venice Street reflects a new consumption pattern characteristic of the wealthy and signals the beginning of a comprehensive reconstruction.
Arrest of the Former Charge d’Affaires of Libya’s Mission in Burundi