Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has called on protesters in Nigeria to accede to appeal by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for dialogue.
In a statement on Tuesday, 6 August, 2024, the ECOWAS Commission said it 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 statement added: “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 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 Commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of 4th August 2024 by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and for the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large.”
