Africa’s Ironic Securitization of Dissent

While governments in Africa crackdown on dissent, history reveals that, ironically, many of those in power often engaged in one form of dissent before coming into office.

Earlier this month, the Nigerian government, through the office of the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, arraigned 76 young people, including 32 children below the age of 18 in court for ‘participating in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.’ Although the nationwide protest was against poor governance and the economic hardship brought about by the government’s policies—with the demonstrators calling for a reduction in the costs of governance and the reinstatement of petrol subsidy, food security and greater fiscal responsibility—the protesters were charged with treason, intent to destabilize Nigeria and inciting to mutiny.

While the outrage generated by the arraignment of malnourished minors forced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, ordering the withdrawal of the case and the release of the minors, there is increasing concern that Nigeria’s leaders, as in many African countries, are growing weary of protests and dissent...