Nigeria’s Ongoing Repression of Peaceful Protests Amid Economic Crisis

Nigeria is enduring a severe economic crisis, leading to widespread protests that demand action against government mismanagement. Amnesty International’s Isa Sanusi condemns the harsh treatment of protesters and calls for their immediate release, highlighting the necessity for dialogue and addressing public grievances over soaring living costs and allegations of corruption.

On October 1, protests against Nigeria’s escalating cost-of-living crisis and poor governance faced severe repression by authorities. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the excessive use of tear gas and the arbitrary arrests of peaceful demonstrators, particularly in Abuja, where security forces blocked protest sites. Reports indicate that several protest organizers, arrested in regions like Kano and Plateau, remain detained in undisclosed locations without legal access.

Sanusi emphasized that the crackdown illustrates the government’s ongoing efforts to stifle dissent amid the nation’s most severe economic crisis in thirty years. Thousands of citizens struggling with soaring inflation—particularly food prices that have reached 36%—experience increasing hardships as corruption and mismanagement persist unabated. Amid unfulfilled government promises, the need for change and addressing the citizens’ grievances is paramount.

He further urged the authorities to unconditionally release all individuals detained during the October 1 protests, including those arrested since earlier protest actions in August. The imposition of dubious treason charges against some August participants should also be rescinded. Sanusi called for the government to refrain from deploying security forces to inhibit peaceful protest rights, urging it instead to focus on the pressing socioeconomic issues affecting the population.

Nigeria is grappling with a dire economic crisis characterized by an alarming rate of inflation, particularly impacting food costs. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 has exacerbated poverty levels, with widespread accusations of corruption among government officials. Public protests, such as the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in August, have met with violent crackdowns, underlining the oppressive atmosphere facing those who dissent against the current administration’s policies.

The persistent repression of peaceful protests in Nigeria signals a troubling disregard for citizens’ rights amidst a worsening economic crisis. The authorities must prioritize the fulfillment of promises to address the endemic issues of poverty and corruption, while respecting the right to peaceful assembly. Ensuring the release of arrested individuals and ceasing violent tactics against demonstrators will be crucial for restoring public trust.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org