ECOWAS Calls For Peace In Nigeria, Emphasises Rights Of Citizens To Peaceful Protests

The Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) has expressed its stance on the current #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, stating that it regrets reports of violence, looting, and tragic loss of life during the protests.

According to the statement, ECOWAS has been following the developments, with such sad news of some protesters’ deaths and destruction of public and private properties.

The Commission extended condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed its solidarity with the government and the people of Nigeria.

“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.”

ECOWAS also stated that it welcomed the State of the Nation address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 4 2024.

The Commission called on the protesting group and all stakeholders to consider calls by President Tinubu for all-inclusive dialogue designed to alleviate their concerns and guarantee peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

The statement ended by calling for the maintenance of peace and security and for all to work towards an amicable solution to the current issues.

The protests started on August 1 and were held across states in Nigeria. The protests come in response to rising food prices and essential commodities as Nigerians grapple with one of the worst inflation rates and economic crises in recent memory.

These issues are exacerbated by the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows.

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