A SUPPORTIVE GROUP: AYEDATIWA IMAGE MAKERS CALL FOR CALM AND GENTLENESS WITH NIGERIAN YOUTHS AHEAD OF AUGUST 1st, 2024 HUNGER PROTEST
The aftermath of seemingly peaceful protests in Kenya demonstrates how quickly demonstrations can spiral into violence, leading to significant loss of life and destruction of property. In many African countries, such as Kenya, where poverty and hunger are prevalent, the risk of protests turning violent is high. The dire economic conditions often fuel unrest, making it challenging for such protests to remain peaceful.
For instance, in recent years, Kenya has experienced violent clashes during protests over issues like electoral disputes and economic hardships. These conflicts have led to numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage. Similarly, other African nations have seen protests escalate into violent confrontations.
In Nigeria, for example, the End SARS protests against police brutality in 2020 resulted in violence and unrest in various cities, with reports of security forces responding with deadly force. In Ethiopia, political protests have often turned violent, particularly in the context of ethnic tensions and governmental crackdowns.
In Western countries as well, protests can sometimes lead to violence, although the underlying causes and dynamics might differ. In the United States, for instance, the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 saw instances of violent clashes and property destruction, especially in cities like Portland and Minneapolis. The causes were deeply rooted in issues of racial injustice and police brutality, which, when coupled with the pandemic’s economic strain, led to heightened tensions.
The current situation in Nigeria highlights the pressing need for dialogue rather than protest. While protests can be a powerful tool for social change, they often exacerbate existing problems in countries grappling with severe economic challenges.
In Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population faces hunger, calling for protests might only worsen the situation. It is crucial to prioritize dialogue and collaboration between the government and citizens to address the root causes of discontent and work towards sustainable solutions.
Hunger and economic deprivation can fuel anger and unrest, making peaceful protests difficult to sustain. In such contexts, advocating for dialogue and constructive engagement with the government is more likely to yield positive results than calling for protests that might further destabilize the situation.
To cap it all, a country where a substantial portion of the population is struggling to meet basic needs is not ideal for rallying protests, as such actions can lead to more harm than good. Instead, efforts should focus on addressing the underlying issues and fostering collaborative solutions to improve the overall conditions for the people.
*MR OLOWOFOYEKUN TEMITOPE DADEOWO, COORDINATOR AYEDATIWA IMAGE MAKERS ( AIM) SAY NO TO ANTI-PARTY*
*Tope Liberty Cares*
