ABUJA, 30 July 2024 – The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued travel advisories for Nigeria in anticipation of planned protests over severe economic challenges. The warnings come as Nigeria faces its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.
The UK Foreign Office has cautioned that protests scheduled from July 29 to August 10 could escalate into violence with little advance notice. Similarly, the Canadian government has highlighted the risk of potential violence associated with the demonstrations. The US embassy in Abuja has advised American citizens to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations during this period.
Economic Crisis Driving Protests
Nigeria is grappling with unprecedented economic difficulties, with inflation reaching a record high of 34.19% in June and food inflation exceeding 40.87%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. In response, activists have organized a 10-day series of nationwide protests under the #EndBadGovernance banner, starting on Thursday.
The demonstrations are spearheaded by a coalition of civil society groups and have already seen some early disruptions. Reports from the Premium Times indicate that protesters have begun blocking major roads in Abuja.
Police and Government Response
In anticipation of the protests, Nigerian authorities have heightened security measures. Police have urged young people to avoid the demonstrations, recalling the heavy-handed response to the #EndSARS protests in 2020. Defense spokesperson Major General Edward Buba emphasized that while peaceful protests are a right, any attempt to incite disorder or violence will not be tolerated.
Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, have called for the government to ensure security for peaceful protests. Abubakar criticized any attempt to suppress the demonstrations, asserting that such actions would undermine democratic principles.
As Nigeria prepares for these significant protests, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, reflecting global concerns about the country’s escalating economic and political challenges.
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