What next for the uprising in Nigeria?

Millions of youth have been out on the streets in response to the brutal repression and banditry of the Nigerian state’s so-called ‘Special Anti-Robbery Squad’ (Sars). They have the sympathy of millions of workers in this huge, resource-rich west African country.

The scale of the protests shows this is about much more than just police violence. Appalling wages and living conditions, soaring fuel and food prices, and breath-taking levels of corruption, have discredited the whole Nigerian capitalist establishment.

There are widespread calls to bring the government down. The union leaders called – and then called off – a general strike. And Democratic Socialist Movement – Nigerian sister party of the Socialist Party in England Wales – has attracted impressive numbers with its revolutionary programme, and its new youth platform, the Youth Rights Campaign.

The Committee for a Workers’ International spoke to DSM on Wednesday 21 October, following another brutal killing of protesters by state forces, about how the movement can win.

This episode of Socialism looks at the uprising in Nigeria: End Sars, Buhari out, fight for a socialist Nigeria!

Further reading

• Nigeria: Buhari must go! https://www.socialistworld.net/2020/10/22/nigeria-buhari-must-go/
• Mass protests force government to disband killer cop unit: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/31483
• Nigerian police repress peaceful anti-government protest: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/31358
• Nigerian labour leaders postpone general strike at last minute: https://www.socialistworld.net/2020/09/30/nigerian-labour-leaders-postpone-general-strike-at-last-minute/
• Nigeria protests shake regime: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/31568
• Solidarity with the movement in Nigeria: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/31555
• Sixty years since Nigeria’s independence – mass misery in the midst of huge resources: https://www.socialistworld.net/2020/10/01/sixty-years-since-nigerias-independence-mass-misery-in-the-midst-of-huge-resources/