#EndSARS: ECOWAS Calls For Peace In Nigeria, Say Dialogue The Only Way Forward

#EndSARS: ECOWAS Calls For Peace In Nigeria, Say Dialogue The Only Way Forward

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for calmness in the ongoing civil unrest between the Nigerian government and the protesters of #EndSARS campaign.

The agency made this call on Wednesday, through a statement released by its Directorate of Communication in Abuja.

In its statement, the agency advised that the Federal Government should dialogue with the Civil societies and the Nigerian youths in order to urgently resolve the current situation.

It further urged Security Operatives to “exercise constraint” in handling the protest, while the protesters should also remain peaceful in their protest.

The statement read:

“While ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and protests, it also wishes to stress that those rights should be exercised in a non-violent manner.

“In this regard, ECOWAS Commission calls on all protesters to remain peaceful in the conduct of their demonstrations. It also urges the Nigerian security operatives to exercise restraint in the handling of the protests and act professionally.

“ECOWAS Commission further notes that, in an effort to address the demands of the protesting youths, the Federal Government of Nigeria took important decisions regarding disbandment of SARS, comprehensive police reforms and investigation of cases of police brutality.

“Finally, the ECOWAS Commission appeals to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian youths, and the civil society to urgently pursue dialogue for an early and amicable resolution of this social unrest.

“And maintain the Nigerian image as a bastion of law and order.”