Das Januarerwachen in Nigeria

Abstract

In January 2012 popular struggles against an unheralded petrol price hike sparked all over Nigeria and gained unprecedented momentum within a few days. From the perspective of an activist engaged in the movement, this article explores the various forms of protest and organization that emerged during this period of social resistance, but also the strategies of the ruling class attempting to curb the unrest. In so doing, the article develops an overall picture of the social forces and the course of events which shaped this new wave of social struggles. While a particular focus of the article lies on the evaluation of the general strike and the developments that led to its suspension, the article concludes with a critical discussion of the prospects of future protests in Nigeria and the possibilities of reviving the dynamic that was unleashed during the ‘January Awakening’.