In a recent statement, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka condemned the Nigerian government’s use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, describing it as a “tragic response” to the country’s ongoing hunger marches. Soyinka emphasized the need for a transformation in how security forces handle civic unrest, likening the current approach to colonial-era repression.
Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has voiced strong criticism against the Nigerian government’s handling of recent protests, particularly condemning the use of live bullets against demonstrators. In a statement released following President Bola Tinubu‘s address to the nation, Soyinka expressed disappointment over the government’s approach to managing civic unrest, highlighting a “continuing deterioration” in the state’s protest management strategies.
Soyinka emphasized that peaceful protests should not be met with lethal force, noting that such actions only perpetuate a cycle of resentment and reprisals. He criticized the use of live ammunition and even tear gas against protesters, stressing that hunger marches are a universal cry for help and should not be met with violence.
Drawing a comparison to international standards, Soyinka referenced the 2022/2023 “Yellow Vest” protests in France, where despite intense confrontations, security forces refrained from using lethal force. He suggested that Nigerian security agencies could learn from these examples, advocating for a shift towards non-lethal methods of crowd control.
The renowned playwright and activist warned that the use of bullets in response to calls for bread—symbolizing basic necessities—could lead to more severe upheavals, potentially even revolutions. He urged the Nigerian government to abandon its outdated reliance on lethal force and to set a new precedent for handling civic protests with humanity and respect.
Soyinka’s statement also called for a broader reflection on Nigeria’s history, urging a move away from colonial-era repressive tactics. He suggested that today’s protesters might draw inspiration from Hubert Ogunde’s folk opera “Bread and Bullets,” which highlighted similar issues of state violence and marginalization.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship and social unrest, Soyinka’s call for a more humane approach to protest management resonates as a plea for a nation at a crossroads, seeking a way forward that respects human rights and the rule of law.
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