2024-08-04 09:32:02
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s leader called Sunday for an end to mass protests over economic hardship, saying the demonstrations had turned violent due to “a few people with political agendas.”
The protests that began on Thursday were accompanied by reports of looting and vandalism, as well as accusations of excessive force by security forces. Amnesty International reported that nine protesters died in clashes with police and four others were killed by bombs. The Nigerian police rejected the AI report.
“I heard you loud and clear,” President Bola Tinubu said in his first public statement on the demonstrations. “I understand the pain and frustration caused by these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”
However, he added that security forces would face “some individuals with a clear political goal of dividing the country”.
The protests reflect frustration over the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, as well as accusations of mismanagement and corruption in Africa’s most populous country and a major oil producer, where huge paychecks for public officials contrast with severe poverty and hunger. .
Tinubu’s advisers said the protests were politically motivated. Last year, he won with 37% of the vote, the smallest margin for a president in Nigeria’s history, but was contested by the opposition. The election also had the lowest turnout since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.
The protests were also inspired by other youth marches in Kenya last month against planned tax increases.
The Nigerian leader said his government “will not stand idly by” or allow the looting reported in recent days to continue.
“In this context, I hereby order protesters and organizers to suspend any new protests and allow space for dialogue,” he said.
The military has also threatened to intervene to quell the violence.
Tinubu championed bold reforms aimed at saving government money and supporting dwindling foreign investment, but their immediate impact has made daily life more difficult.
Analysts say the reforms, which include a suspension of decades-old gas subsidies and a currency devaluation, have been clumsily implemented and have had a knock-on effect on prices of nearly every commodity.
“The economy is recovering: please don’t go hungry,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian leader also warned that the protests could threaten the country’s democracy in a region that has been rocked by military coups amid popular dissatisfaction with elected governments.
“Always forward, never backward!” he shouted.
1722764581
#Nigerias #president #calls #protests #attributes #violence #political #aims
