FULL LIST: Protesters In Nigeria, UK, Kenya Take To The Streets, Challenge Leadership On Hardship, Immigration, Elections

As the second half of 2024 unfolds, countries worldwide are witnessing a surge of protests.

While violent demonstrations have typically been associated with Africa, recent events show that this phenomenon is spreading to Europe and Asia.

Protests have emerged in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Bangladesh, and India, driven by various issues such as economic hardship, immigration policies, and electoral dissatisfaction.

In Kenya, protests ignited when youths took to the streets against proposed tax increases on essential goods. These demonstrations, which turned violent, resulted in more than 20 deaths and compelled President William Ruto to withdraw his finance bill and dissolve his cabinet.

Following Kenya’s lead, protests have also erupted in Nigeria, the UK, Bangladesh, and India. These movements are fueled by grievances over the rising cost of living, anti-immigration sentiments, labor policies, and government job quotas.

Naija News provides an overview of the ongoing protests, their causes, and the demands of protesters in these countries:

Kenya: Protests Push for Change

Kenya has been rocked by protests initially sparked by proposed tax increases, which have grown into a larger movement advocating for more accountable governance. The demonstrators are calling for President William Ruto’s resignation.

The protests, which began peacefully, escalated into violence on June 25 when protesters broke through police barricades and set parts of the parliament building on fire.

The demonstrators are demanding the repeal of the finance bill and President Ruto’s resignation. Although the finance bill has been retracted, President Ruto remains in office.

Nigeria: Economic Hardship and Bad Governance

On August 1, protesters across Nigeria demonstrated against the escalating cost of living and food prices. The 10-day protest, organized by the “Take It Back” Movement in collaboration with other groups, aims to address issues like bad governance and economic challenges.

Protesters demand an end to anti-people policies, a reversal of fuel price increases, a raise in the national minimum wage to ₦300,000, and more transparency and accountability in governance.

They also call for electoral reforms, the autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and security agency reforms to halt human rights abuses.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s plea for protesters to cease their actions due to infiltrators waving Russian flags, the protest continues into its fifth day.

India: Agricultural and Labor Unrest

The Indian National Trade Union Congress is planning sit-in protests at district collectorate offices across Kerala State on August 5 to protest state labor policies.

The movement began in February when police used tear gas and barricades to stop farmers from marching to New Delhi to demand minimum prices for their produce. This demonstration has persisted, with support from non-agricultural sectors.

The farmers’ demand is for the Ministry of Agriculture to set higher crop prices to sustain their livelihoods.

Bangladesh: Unrest Over Quota System and Political Leadership

Bangladesh is currently facing significant turmoil, with protests resulting in nearly 100 deaths as demonstrators confront security forces and supporters of the ruling party. The protesters are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The unrest was initially sparked last month by violent protests organized by the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ group, who opposed the government’s job quota system. Although the Supreme Court temporarily suspended the quota system, tensions reignited as protesters resumed, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Hasina for the previous violence and the restoration of internet access.

In response to the escalating situation, Bangladesh’s army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced on Monday that he plans to establish an interim government after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

Prime Minister Hasina has reportedly fled the capital due to the intensifying protests.

Venezuela: Electoral Disputes

Protesters have returned to Venezuelan streets, accusing President Nicolás Maduro of election fraud and suppressing opposition supporters.

Thousands rallied in Caracas to support opposition leader María Corina Machado, who claims her candidate, Edmundo González, was the rightful winner of the disputed July 28 election. Protesters defy a government crackdown, resulting in hundreds of arrests and reported deaths.

United Kingdom: Anti-Immigration Sentiment

Protests erupted in the UK following a knife attack that killed three girls at a children’s dance class in Southport. Anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups fueled the unrest with misinformation about the attacker.

Protests have spread across cities, including Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester, resulting in arrests, vandalism, and injuries. On Sunday, anti-immigration protesters gathered near a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence and promised legal action against the perpetrators. Some protesters demand the repatriation of immigrants, blaming them for the UK’s unrest.