Forewarning of demonstrations in Tunisia and Nigeria
3 March 2017 - RPS Partnership
We are bringing you news from North and West Africa. News from Tunisia and Nigeria warns us of demonstrations next week.
Contact us if you are travelling to either location and require training, advice or assistance for personal security or travel awareness training or need any guidance on writing or implementing Crisis Management plans. We also offer Crisis Management training for management teams and their support staff.
North Africa
Demonstrations in Tunisia – Tunis – 5 February 2017
Civic activists have called for an anti-terrorism protest in the capital, Tunis, on Sunday 5 February 2017. The gathering, which has been organised to demand stricter anti-terrorism legislation and oversight, will take place along Bourghuiba Avenue as of 11:00 local time.
A similar demonstration held on 8 January in Tunis concluded peacefully. However, there are ongoing concerns that anti-terrorism demonstrations in Tunisia could be a target for attacks by Islamist extremists, particularly given their accessibility.
RPS Partnership advises you to avoid these areas on the day and at the times above. If you get caught up in these demonstrations, if on foot, remain calm and make your way to the edge of the crowds. Try to get into a building and wait for the demonstration to pass. If you are in a car, pull off the street if you can and stop the vehicle and wait for the demonstration to pass. If you can get out of the vehicle and it is safe to do so, it maybe safer in a building.
Contact us if you need further advice on [email protected]
West Africa
Demonstrations in Nigeria – Abuja and Lagos – 6 February 2017
Protests against the prevailing socio-economic climate are scheduled to take place in the capital, Abuja, and the city of Lagos on Monday 6 February 2017, next week. Organised by popular musician, 2Face Idibia, the Abuja gathering is scheduled to take place at the city’s Unity Fountain at around 09:00 local time, while the rally in Lagos will occur at the National Stadium in the Surulere area of the city.
Associated gatherings are also possible in other major towns and cities, particularly in southern Nigeria which is the stronghold of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Both gatherings are anticipated to be well attended and are likely to lead to significant disruptions in the affected areas. However, there is also a credible threat that the gatherings could be subject to violence. In addition to carrying a strong anti-government sentiment – which often evokes crackdowns by security forces – there are also claims that the forthcoming demonstrations will be infiltrated by disruptive elements. Consequently, the planned gathering the National Stadium in Nigeria has been banned. It remains unclear, however, whether Idibia will call off the protest amid the banning of the Lagos event.
RPS Partnership advises you to avoid these areas on the day and at the times above.
Contact us on [email protected] for more advice on personal security and travel security as well as crisis management training and consultancy. Have a look at pur 2017 flyer to see the courses we are offering.
The next 3 day Hostile Environment Awareness Training course is on Monday 6-Wednesday 8 March 2017. Contact us here to confirm your place.
Photos: RPS Partnership working in Tunis, Tunisia