Tinubu calls for calm after violent protests

Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the suspension of violent nationwide protests after security forces cracked down on rallies over economic hardship. A report on the allAfrica site notes that thousands of demonstrators began taking to the streets last week to protest government policies and the high cost of living. Amnesty International has accused security forces of killing at least 13 protesters, while police say seven people died, and deny responsibility. Tinubu urged the demonstrators ‘to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue,’ his first public comments on the rallies since they started on Thursday. ‘I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and the frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens,’ he said. Tinubu also used the speech to defend his record and outline measures he said would benefit young Nigerians and the economy. Africa's most populous country is battling high inflation and a tumbling naira after Tinubu ended a fuel subsidy and liberalised the currency more than a year ago in reforms the government says will improve the economy in the long term.