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Amnesty International Nigeria has also added its voice by calling on the government to respect the right to peaceful protests. The organization had earlier in the year condemned the violent crackdown targeted against protesters in August that killed at least 22 civilians, including several minors.
International Reactions
The European Union showed concern for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria, further calling for restraint and peaceful dialogue.
Although the UN has not issued a statement solely about Nigerian protests, the UN Human Rights Council spoke out on protection for human rights defenders and peaceful assembly.
The protests are a continuity of the #End Bad Governance movement, which started in August ² ³. In the August protests, violent confrontations between protesters and security forces left people dead, several injured. The reaction of the government towards protests has been criticized as high-handed with no respect for basic human rights.
The current protests have been very subdued with a heavier presence of security and fewer reported acts of violence.
The government has now become more proactive in trying to forestall the protests; security has been tightened, and movements are restricted.
Fears and Concerns
Heavy-handed crackdown on protesters and critics raises fears of a lost democratic freedom in Nigeria. Application of treason charges against protesters has engendered fear of greater repression and intimidation.
The international community, therefore, was concerned and was watching all events unfolding in Nigeria with interest, especially those touching on human rights, the rule of law, and democratic freedoms.