I woke up with a heavy heart, and this heavy feeling of pain and worry. I couldn’t help but think about the hardships we face daily, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. The cost of living has become unbearable, and it feels like we’re trapped in this endless struggle just to make ends meet.
Currently, Nigeria is gearing up for a nationwide protest, fueled by frustration, bad governance, hunger, unemployment, and the general hardship faced by the masses. It’s truly a critical moment.
Protests have long been a powerful means for people to voice their concerns and demand action. It’s a means to voice our frustrations and demand change, rooted in our fundamental human right to free expression and peaceful assembly.
For example, in South Africa, the #FeesMustFall movement highlighted the struggles of students facing high tuition fees, leading to significant policy changes. Concurrently in Sudan, widespread protests against economic hardships and authoritarian rule ultimately led to a change in leadership. These examples show that protests can be a catalyst for significant social and political change.
In as much as people have the fear of history repeating itself, like in the case of the End SARS protests of 2020, do you think this protest will bring about the change we need, or could it lead to more harm than good?
For those who have experienced protests in other countries, especially in Africa, what has been your experience? Have protests brought about real change, or have they sometimes led to more harm? – By YouthHubAfrica!
