The Nigerian government surely did not scrutinize social media on the country’s Independence Day, the 1is last October, otherwise, he would have detected the warning signs of the anger which animates his youth and which explodes today in broad daylight. Nigeria marked 60 years of independence from British colonial rule. But the content of the messages of Generation Y was the opposite of those of the oldest, had spotted the writer Chukwudi Ukonne. A tweet particularly appealed to him. “Today, 60e nigerian independence day i am sad, exhausted, exhausted, discouraged, disappointed. And I’m angry, ”shared Fisayo Soyombo on his page. Under his tweet, a litany of evils: “60 years old but unable to protect its citizens”, “I have lost so much as a Nigerian! At the international level, Nigeria appears as a forbidden zone, our reputation is so bad that people do not want to associate with us ”, portrayed one Internet user.
Youth in Nigeria has always been seen as a ticking time bomb. 60% of the population is under 30 for a median age of 18.
On October 8, the demands went beyond social networks to spread to the streets. And it was no longer a question of moods, but of claiming one of the most basic rights: the right to life. Specifically, it was to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Theft Brigade (SARS), a Nigerian police unit responsible for at least 82 confirmed cases of torture and extrajudicial killings over the past three years. only years, and perhaps more according to the NGO Amnesty International.
Images of young protesters facing government officials sent to appease them and their refusal to leave the government secretariat – despite police harassment and intimidation – have circulated on social media. Others have joined the movement and amplified it.
Unheard of in Nigeria since the pro-democracy rallies of the 1990s. “The ability of young Nigerians to organize and mobilize for a common cause should come as no surprise to those who have paid attention to social trends in recent years, Chukwudi Ukonne advances. Without realizing it, young people have been preparing for this kind of “mass guerrilla movement” for some time, he points out to Point Afrique. “These protests could prove to be the political epiphany for a generation of young Nigerians who have never been seen or heard from. ” Interview.
Le Point Afrique: how do you observe the #EndSARS movement?
Chukwudi Ukonne: #EndsSARS as a movement started making headlines in 2017.
However, its action is more visible due to the pandemic context. Since the establishment of confinement, cases of police brutality have multiplied and it continued even after. In early October, the demonstrators went to the government of Lagos State, the economic capital of Nigeria, to protest against this police unit whose acts of violence were found on social networks.
The general feeling of discontent is now stronger than ever. Claims have piled up. The demonstrators then organized themselves to decentralize their actions across the country.
Behind the Covid-19 health crisis, are there any warning signs that you have spotted?
No one really saw this movement happen, especially, some had imagined that it would take this magnitude.
It should be remembered that most Nigerians had lost hope of ever seeing a major youth-led demonstration, as we saw during the Arab Spring. Until now, it was believed that years of military rule followed by militarized democracy as most of our democratically elected presidents were ex-military, including the current president – ended up shattering the minds and determination of young people to demand better from their leaders.
When we saw young Nigerians, courageous, it must be said, stand up against the government, many said to themselves that it was the right time to take action to amplify and support the movement.
In a recent analysis, you mentioned the generational divide, how is it characterized in Nigeria?
The older generation grew up under strict military rule, which somewhat shattered the momentum of civil society movements in the 1990s. Many journalists, activists and social justice protesters were killed by the army, so that it appears hesitant, cautious, distant, when it comes to fighting the government. She lived in fear all the time.
The new generation has inherited these fears. In short, Nigeria is a large country with a majority youth, dynamic, connected, but a very shy population. This is why these demonstrations surprised everyone.
What are the factors that have allowed the movement to gain momentum?
The young people who launched the first mobilizations pledged to obtain by their own means what the government did not provide them, such as work, health insurance, food during confinement, etc. The idea is that if we can mobilize, social change is possible.
Among the other factors, of course, is social media, which allows information to be disseminated quickly. The rise of the fintech industry in Nigeria allows a rapid movement of funds to finance the struggle and also to engage the diaspora.
This movement is also unprecedented, because there is no leader at its head and women are widely represented .
The presence of women is remarkable. Feminist groups have been mobilizing for years in Nigeria. They are led by young Nigerians. These groups have advanced great causes, not only protesting injustices, but they were also committed to caring for young women across the country. Some of these groups have stood out nationally for the extent of their social support. They provide hygienic items to young women for example in many communities, while these necessities are extremely expensive for the most disadvantaged. They have also distinguished themselves in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, and by requisitioning homes to help women victims.
Do you think the movement has a future?
I think it has already gone a long way. Faced with the international outcry, the government is trying to muzzle him, but this is no longer possible.
What can the government do now?
The demands of the demonstrators are known. They reside in five points.
How do you explain the enthusiasm of Afrobeat artists, Nollywood stars until now reluctant to express themselves in the public square?
Not surprisingly, Nigeria has always had socially conscious artists, from Fela to Tuface. Many artists sing about social issues affecting the population.
They are sometimes reluctant to get involved because they are easy targets for the government. They can be accused of inciting the masses. Many have tried in the past and have been threatened, most recently Tuface Idibia, who had to call off a protest in 2016 or 2017.
Many artists who are involved now are known to Nigerians for their position. This is the case of artist Falz, who is the son of a famous human rights lawyer, Femi Falana. He is the author of This is Nigeria, a militant parody inspired by the African-American Childish Gambino, who denounced the racism, the free circulation of firearms which plague the United States. In his song, Falz talks about the problems specific to Nigerians: infrastructure, the capitalist and neocolonial system, etc.
So they helped move the movement forward, but fortunately, this time around, the artists cannot hijack it or end it as in previous years, where their reluctance may have rubbed off on the demonstrators.
Will there be a repercussion of this movement on the political level?
The last few days, with the military repression, have been very hard. But some data is significant: our leaders are on average 60 years old and the population less than 30 years old.
I don’t think anyone under 40 will win the 2023 presidential election. But I see a lot more involvement from the youth in politics. I see a lot of young people rallying around young candidates and challenging the old guard. This is particularly the case in lower elections such as the House of Representatives and local government.
I don’t know how successful the movement will be, but the old guard has been warned.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
