Nigeria: ECOWAS backs President Tinubu's call for inclusive dialogue to resolve grievances

The ECOWAS Commission says it has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by some citizens in 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 in a statement dated August 5, 2024, extended its condolences to the bereaved families and sympathised with the government and people 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," it said.

The Commission also said it welcomed the State of the Nation address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 4 which urged the protesters to stop their protest and instead resort to dialogue.

For the ECOWAS Commission, heeding to the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances would help to preserve the peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large.