UN warns of potential violence as Nigerians plan nationwide protests
The United Nations (UN) Department of Safety and Security has raised concerns about potential violence during the planned nationwide protests in Nigeria, set to take place from August 1 to 10. The protests, branded “10 Days of Rage,” aim to address the country’s escalating cost of living and economic hardship.
In a threat and risk assessment dated July 19, the UN highlighted the risk of these protests being hijacked by groups with ulterior motives, potentially leading to violent outbreaks.
The assessment recalled previous incidents of unrest, such as the February 2023 protests triggered by a shortage of new Naira currency, which saw violent demonstrations in several states, including Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers. During these protests, bank branches and ATMs were vandalized, and major roads were blocked.
The UN warns that the expected high turnout for the upcoming protests could lead to significant disruptions in economic and social activities.
The assessment also pointed out the possibility of confrontations between pro-government groups and those opposing government policies, particularly from the end of July through mid-August.
Despite acknowledging the economic challenges, some organizations and ethnic leaders, such as Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, have discouraged participation in the protests, highlighting concerns about potential hijacking by other interest groups, which could further complicate the security situation.
Protest organizers are demanding the reversal of certain policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu, which they believe have exacerbated the country’s economic woes.
Their demands include reinstating petrol and tertiary education subsidies, restoring affordable electricity tariffs, and reducing import duties to pre-crisis levels. They are also calling for a state of emergency on inflation, increased transparency in public administration, reductions in the salaries and allowances of political office holders, and judicial system reforms.
In a statement to President Tinubu, Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized the difficulty of preventing Nigerians from expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.
