The ECOWAS Commission has called on Nigerians protesting against hardship, hunger, and bad governance to heed President Bola Tinubu’s call for inclusive dialogue. The Commission emphasized the importance of resolving grievances through peaceful means to preserve peace and security in Nigeria and the broader ECOWAS region.
President Tinubu, who was re-elected as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government earlier this month, addressed the nation on August 4, 2024, urging for dialogue.
The protests, which began on August 1 and are scheduled to continue until August 10, have entered their sixth day.
In a statement obtained by The Explainer, the ECOWAS Commission expressed its deep regret over the violence reported during the protests.
“The Commission deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate deaths of some protesters, as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties,” the statement read.
The Commission also extended its condolences to those affected by the unrest.
“The Commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses,” it added.
Recognizing the right to peaceful protest, the Commission highlighted the legal frameworks supporting this right.
“The Commission recognizes 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 noted.
The ECOWAS Commission welcomed President Tinubu’s call for dialogue, emphasizing the need for inclusive discussions to address the protesters’ grievances.
