Umar works as an assistant in a provision store in Kano, Nigeria, where shelves brim with items kissed by the sun and dust. After secondary school, this was the only job available. Still, he barely makes ends meet these days as his spending skyrocketed due to inflation, which surged to over 34.19 per cent amidst fuel price increases, among other economic hardships.
In August, the economic struggle culminated in a protest tagged #EndBadGovernance. Like many others, Umar saw this as an opportunity to demand change. “I wanted to share my grievances,” he said.
Four days into the protest that began on 1st August, something unexpected appeared – Russian flags waved by demonstrators in the northern cities of Kano, Jos, and Kaduna.
