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The African Union has now “condemned” the violence that has characterized ongoing protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
Rights group Amnesty International has said that at least 12 people were killed by soldiers and police in Lagos on Tuesday.
At least 49 people have been reported dead just on Tuesday the protests against brutalities across Nigeria turned bloody.
The #EndSARS protests worsened on Tuesday with 43 protesters and six policemen losing their lives.
The Nigeria’s army has dismissed the reports of its soldiers shooting at protesters as “fake news” despite enough video evidence of people dying and injured.
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The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki has urged both “political and social actors” to “respect human rights and the rule of law”.
He hailed the disbandment of the hated Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) and encouraged investigations to ensure “perpetrators of acts of violence are held to account”.
I strongly condemn the violence that erupted on 20 October 2020 during protests in Lagos, #Nigeria that has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. My full statement: https://t.co/neHqy46fOI
— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) October 21, 2020
Meanwhile the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has also called for dialogue between the Nigerian government and the protesters.
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Ecowas urged both parties to exercise restraint as protests continue.
“In this regard, the Ecowas commission calls on all protesters to remain peaceful in the conduct of their demonstrations.
It also urges the Nigerian security operatives to exercise restraint in the handling of the protests and act professionally,” a statement read.
The Ecowas chairperson who is the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo also said in a tweet that “I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end, and has begun the processes that will lead to reform.”
He add that “Violence, be it on the part of the Police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Violence, be it on the part of the Police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery. 2/2 #EndSARS
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) October 21, 2020
The African Union and West African regional bloc Ecowas were condemned widely by many Africans for keeping silent on ongoing violence in Nigeria, forcing the bodies to now comment on the matter.
Source: Africafeeds.com
