The Economic Community of West African States Commission has voiced worry over ongoing protests in Nigeria, citing allegations of violence, fatalities, and property destruction.
It urged demonstrators to respond to the call for discussion.
The commission conveyed condolences to the families of those who died and sympathy to the Nigerian government and people for the losses suffered.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, ECOWAS underlined people’ 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 during the protests, including the tragic death of some protesters, as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private property.
“The commission expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathises with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.
“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 statement went on to say.
The commission also commended President Bola Tinubu’s recent State of the Nation address on August 4, 2024.ECOWAS urged protesters and all stakeholders to respond to the President’s call for inclusive discussion to address grievances and maintain peace and security in Nigeria and the broader ECOWAS region.
“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,” according to the statement.
The hunger protests in Nigeria turned violent, resulting in multiple deaths, property destruction, and severe disruptions to corporate activities.
Several important roadways were closed, escalating the situation.
The #EndBadGovernance rallies, which have gained traction in key cities such Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, have been marked by increased violence.
In some situations, security officers’ actions sparked the violence, while in others, it was motivated by overzealous protestors or counter-protesters.
In a national broadcast on Sunday, Tinubu pleaded with the organisers of the statewide demonstration to halt the action since it had turned violent in several states, resulting in the loss of life and property.