In Niger, the president calls for an end to protests against the high cost of living

“I heard you clearly. I understand the pain and frustration that motivates these protests.”explained, Sunday, August 4, the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a televised speech, his first public address since the beginning of the demonstrations last week. The head of state called for an end to the mobilization against the high cost of living and to put an end to the “bloodshed”after at least 13 protesters were killed by security forces, according to Amnesty International.

In this address, President Tinubu urged his compatriots 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.”the Nigerian leader continued. “But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart.”he warned, before adding: “We must put an end to the bloodshed, violence and destruction”.

Participants in the protests, dubbed #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, are calling on the president to roll back reforms, such as the suspension of the fuel subsidy, and to “put an end to suffering and hunger”. Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria is going through a serious economic crisis, following reforms put in place by President Tinubu, who came to power in May 2023. Food inflation exceeds 40% and the price of gasoline has tripled.