Nigerians are preparing statewide rallies this week to confront the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.

Authorities are concerned about a recurrence of the fatal demonstrations against police brutality that occurred in this West African nation in 2020, as well as the possibility of unrest similar to the recent protests in Kenya, which erupted in chaos in the capital, Nairobi, following a tax increase.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to avert this situation.

Local media reported on Tuesday that the organizers of the planned protests against rising economic woes on Thursday had rejected a suggestion from Nigerian police to stage rallies in confined places.

Human Rights Watch stated that the officials’ response indicates a worrying willingness to suppress criticism.