Dynamics of Political Unrest and Reform: The Arab Spring Versus the EndSARS Movement in Nigeria

Political unrest and social movements are integral to shaping governance and societal reforms. The Arab Spring, which swept across North Africa and the Middle East beginning in 2010, and the EndSARS protest in Nigeria in 2020, represent significant instances of political resistance against oppressive governance and systemic injustice. The study adopted the Relative Deprivation Theory, developed by Ted Robert Gurr in 1970. This study provides a comparative analysis of both movements, focusing on their causes, methodologies, impacts, and outcomes. The Arab Spring, driven by demands for political freedom and economic reforms, led to regime changes and lasting instability in countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. The EndSARS movement, primarily aimed at ending police brutality and pushing for good governance, led to the disbandment of special anti-robbery squad (SARS). Through comparative analysis, the study proved that both Arab spring and EndSARS profound are power of collective action in challenging entrenched systems of oppression and advocating for reform. It was concluded that political unrest is not merely a reaction to immediate issues but is often a manifestation of deeper, systemic grievances that require long-term solutions. The study recommended that the Governments should engage in open dialogue with citizens to address grievances before they escalate into widespread unrest while the security forces should be reformed to ensure accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights during protests.