The African Union Condemns Violence Against #EndSARS Protesters in Nigeria
The African Union Commission chairperson has (finally) condemned the deadly violence against protesters calling for an end to police brutality in Nigeria. However, many feel the body's declaration is a little too late.
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA - FEBRUARY 09: A view from opening session of the 33rd African Union Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 09, 2020. This year the summit convened with the theme of 'Silencing the Guns by 2020', which includes economic, social and security issues in Africa.
Photo by Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images.
EWNMoussa Faki Mahamatshot at by security forces at Lekki Toll GateBabajide Sanwo-OluREAD: How Technology Is Playing a Crucial Role in the #EndSARS Protests
The recent statement from the AU comes after Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed that the Nigerian military had fired live ammunition at the protesters. The body announced, "Evidence gathered from eyewitnesses, video footage and hospital reports confirm that between 6:45pm and 9:00pm on Tuesday 20 October, the Nigerian military opened fire on thousands of people who were peacefully calling for an end to police brutality."
Prior to Amnesty International Nigeria's announcement, the Nigerian military had vehemently denied both their presence and involvement in the shooting at Lekki Toll Gate. They even went as far as labelling their involvement as "fake news" on their Twitter account.
Many on social media have expressed their skepticism towards the announcement particularly after the AU, the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were deafeningly silent following the violence in Nigeria.
The BBC reports that ECOWAS has also released a statement which "calls on all protesters to remain peaceful in the conduct of their demonstrations." Additionally, the body has also urged "Nigerian security operatives to exercise restraint in the handling of the protests and act professionally."
While there has been no official death toll, Amnesty International estimates that at least 56 people have been killed since the #EndSARS protests began with about 38 having been killed this past Tuesday alone.
