ECOWAS to protesters: Heed Tinubu’s call for dialogue

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says protesters railing against economic hardship in Nigeria should heed President Bola Tinubu’s call for dialogue.

On Sunday, Tinubu asked the protesters to shelve further demonstrations and “create room for dialogue”.

However, the protests have continued across the country, amid looting and vandalism.

On Monday, the president met with security chiefs and warned that the waving of foreign flags during the protests will no longer be tolerated.

In a statement on Tuesday, ECOWAS expressed dismay over the violence that has trailed the demonstrations — especially in the north of the country.

“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,” the statement reads.

“The ECOWAS commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties.

“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.

“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.”

Tinubu was re-elected ECOWAS chairman on July 7, 2024.