A battle has broken out on the streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland. The unrest started with the Brexit deal, which has created a new trade boundary between the previously open Northern Ireland and England, Scotland, and Wales. Along the "wall of unity" that divides UK loyalist1 and Protestant communities from Catholic and Irish nationalist neighborhoods, protesters threw bricks, fireworks, and explosives.
The unrest started on March 29 as a result of trade restrictions levied in the area following Brexit. Unionists2 argue that they damage trade and jeopardize Northern Ireland's position in the United Kingdom. Part of Northern Ireland's population considers itself British, while others wish to join the Republic of Ireland, which remains a member of the European Union. 23 years have passed since the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to a decades-long civil war dispute. This agreement advocated for a coalition government made up of loyalists and unionists. However, societal differences have not vanished.
The seizing and burning of a city bus, as well as an attack on a press photographer, brought the riots to a fever pitch in just nine days. Protests in Northern Ireland over the last ten days have wounded more than 50 police officers and resulted in the arrest of at least ten people, as well as causing damage to businesses. There was more unrest in Newtownabbey on April 4th. Cars were kidnapped and set ablaze on the highway.
BBC News. “Belfast: Rioting ‘Was Worst Seen in Northern Ireland in Years.’” BBC News, 8 Apr. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-56664868.
On Monday night, the same scenes were repeated. Authorities have banned paramilitary organizations from inciting riots. Protesters cited the Northern Ireland protocol and the police as justifications for their actions. In urging calm, the White House supported the British and Irish governments. The violence in Belfast and Derry/LondonDerry demonstrates that the political class in Northern Ireland still has a lot of work to do. However, it seems that no one has a straightforward, well-thought-out plan for the path ahead.
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Citation Reference List:
1 A supporter of the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
2 A person in Northern Ireland, especially a member of a political party, supporting or advocating union with Great Britain.
Bibliography:
Hirst, By Michael. “NI Riots: What Is behind the Violence in Northern Ireland?” BBC News, 9 Apr. 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-56664378
“Bus Torched as Northern Ireland Violence Continues.” CNN, 8 Apr. 2021, https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2021/04/08/northern-ireland-belfast-protests-sot-cnni-ctw-vpx.cnn
Creighton, Sarah. “Northern Ireland Needs Leadership. Without It, the Violence Could Get Worse.” The Guardian, 7 Apr. 2021, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/07/northern-ireland-leadership-violence-worse.
DW News. “Northern Ireland: Protesters Burn Bus amid Violence | DW News.” YouTube, uploaded by Northern Ireland: Protesters burn bus amid violence | DW News, 8 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uAMfIS95FE.