Nigeria: Anti-Buhari protests suspended in Abuja, continue in Lagos /update 2

Event

Organizers of the ResumeOrResign coalition - including the groups Our Mumu Don Do and Concerned Nigerians - have temporarily suspended protests in the capital Abuja due to what they perceive as continued attacks on their members by the Nigerian police and suspected government-supported hoodlums. Protests will continue to be held in Lagos state, where a daily sit-in will be held at the Gani Fawehinmi Park (located in the city of Lagos) between 09:00 and 10:00 (local time) until further notice.

Additionally, the group has threatened legal action against President Muhammadu Buhari if he fails to return from medical leave or does not resign before September 6.

Context

Daily protests have been held in recent weeks to denounce President Buhari’s extended absence due to ill health. Opposition protesters are demanding that Buhari either resign or end his extended leave of absence and return from London, where he has been receiving medical treatment since May 7. Anti-Buhari protests, and counter-protests by supporters of the president, caused disruption to travel and resulted in heightened tensions in Abuja. Security forces have cracked down on some of these protests with force; anti-Buhari demonstrations on August 15 culminated in outbreaks of violence between supporters and opponents of the president and police dispersed crowds by firing shots in the air and using tear gas.

Advice

Tensions are likely to remain high throughout Nigeria and individuals are advised to avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.