Economic Hardship Sparks Widespread Protests Against Government in Nigeria

Protests against severe economic hardship continued for a fifth day in several Nigerian states, despite a presidential call to end them. Demonstrations have faced a violent crackdown from security forces, resulting in at least 13 deaths. Issues include surging inflation, currency devaluation, and government policies.

Protests against economic hardship continued for a fifth day in several Nigerian states on Monday, following a presidential appeal for calm. Despite a crackdown from security forces, fewer demonstrators appeared compared to earlier large-scale rallies.

In Lagos and some northern states, hundreds protested against the country's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, corruption, and alleged poor governance. So far, 13 fatalities have been reported since the demonstrations began on Thursday.

President Bola Tinubu convened a security meeting in Abuja on Monday and imposed a curfew in Kaduna state to curb looting. Nigeria struggles with surging inflation and devalued currency, which have exacerbated economic woes. Some protesters displayed Russian flags, reflecting growing pro-Russian sentiments in West Africa.

(With inputs from agencies.)