ECOWAS Calls for Dialogue Amid Violent Protests in Nigeria

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has voiced its concern over the ongoing protests in Nigeria, which have turned violent, resulting in deaths and significant property destruction. The commission urged protesters to heed President Bola Tinubu’s call for dialogue to resolve their grievances.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ECOWAS expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathy with the Nigerian government and its people. The commission underscored the citizens’ right to peaceful protests, as outlined in the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

“The ECOWAS Commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties,” the statement read. “The commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.”

ECOWAS highlighted the importance of peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing, “The ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”

The commission also welcomed President Tinubu’s State of the Nation address on August 4, 2024, and encouraged protesters to engage in dialogue. “The Commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of August 4, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large,” it added.

The protests, initially sparked by hunger and economic hardship, have escalated, leading to numerous deaths, arson, and business disruptions. Major highways have been blocked, worsening the situation. The #EndBadGovernance protests have spread to major cities such as Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, marked by increasing violence.

In some instances, actions by security officials have triggered violence, while in others, it has been driven by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters. In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Tinubu pleaded with protest organizers to suspend the demonstrations due to the escalating violence and the resulting loss of lives and property destruction.