Nigeria braces for protest over economy, fears repeat of Kenya riots

Nigeria is bracing for a nationwide protest against worsening economic conditions. Protest organizers are planning to use Eagle Square in Abuja as the launching pad of their movement and face harsh reaction from the government. Despite this, they remain determined to proceed.

Security services and army soldiers have already taken control of a key road leading to Abuja just 72 hours before planned hunger protests, causing significant traffic jams and leaving many commuters stranded. The roadblock, set up without prior warning, extends over 12 kilometers and affects civil servants and traders who live outside the city.

The protest, scheduled for August 1, aims to address grievances over soaring inflation and economic struggles attributed to policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu since May 2023.

The Nigerian Army, meanwhile, has vowed to maintain public order, citing concerns that the protest could be hijacked by disruptive elements, similar to recent violent protests in Kenya.