Summary:

This weekly update highlights the potential for increased political violence in Rivers State in the lead up to the 2023 general elections. Historically, elections in the state are known for being high stakes and violent. According to available data, over 100 incidents of political and election-related violence have been reported between January 2019 and December 2022, resulting in over 40 fatalities.

The current political situation in the state is highly charged and could escalate in ways that lead to increased lethal violence before and during the elections. If not mitigated, the situation could lead to widespread politically motivated killings and clashes between rival groups, negatively impacting the dynamics of conflict, security, economy, and political processes in the state.

Stakeholders should continue to advocate for non-violent elections and create relevant infrastructure for peace messaging and grassroots peace advocacy to mitigate the risk of violence.

Major Events:

• In January 2023, two explosions reportedly occurred and injured three residents at the venue of a political rally in Rumuwoji community,Port Harcourt LGA.
• Separately, in January, political thugs reportedly attacked the governorship candidate of a political party and his campaign team in Akinima Town, Ahoada West LGA.
• More recently, on January 31, 2023, political thugs reportedly attacked the campaign team of the
  governorship candidate of a political party, shot sporadically, and abducted the party’s campaign director in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro LGA

For the full report, download using this link:

https://pindfoundation.org/download/66970/?tmstv=1675669089