Why #EndSARS Protests Are Different, and What Lessons They Hold

"The Special Anti-Robbery Squad was set up in 1992 to curb a spate of armed robberies in Nigeria. By 2009 it had become a large and powerful unit, and its focus expanded beyond armed robbery, to internet fraudsters. It had also become largely uncontrolled. The unit has been accused of rape, harassment, extortion, and killing of innocent people. But now the protest is not just about the SARS. It's the result of pent-up anger over the dehumanizing policies of government, maladministration, injustice, hunger as well as high energy and fuel prices. Nigeria is said to be the poverty capital of the world. Yet young Nigerians have been protesting for over a week across the country without looting shops. They have ensured that the streets are cleaned after the day's protest and that there's no violence or lawlessness. Another key factor that makes this protest unique, is the use of social media. The way this has helped mobilize protesters is unprecedented," writes Damilola Agbalajobi for The Conversation Africa.

InFocus

#EndSARS protesters at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja (file photo).

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