Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on Sunday August 4 for an end to protests against the high cost of living in Africa’s most populous country, and for an end to “bloodshed”, after at least 13 demonstrators were killed by security forces, according to Amnesty International.
Thousands of people demonstrated on Thursday and Friday against “bad governance” and the rising cost of living in Nigeria, which is going through a serious economic crisis, following reforms introduced by President Tinubu, who came to power in May 2023. Food inflation exceeds 40% and petrol prices have tripled.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration motivating these demonstrations,” said the Head of State in a televised address, his first public speech since the protests began last week. He urged the demonstrators to “suspend any further protests and create a space for dialogue”. “I assure you that our government is committed to listening and responding to the concerns of our fellow citizens,” he added.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart”, he warned, before adding: “We must put an end to bloodshed, violence and destruction”.
While Amnesty International reports that at least 13 demonstrators were killed by the forces of order, the police claim that seven people died and deny any responsibility.
The organizers of the protests, an informal coalition of civil society groups, have promised to continue their actions in the coming days, despite warnings from the authorities.