The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement with demonstrators in the country’s northern region who were seen waving Russian flags and chanting slogans during a protest march.
The protesters also carried signs with various messages.
Russia, a significant global power, has recently been accused of interfering in political unrest in several West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
These allegations have sparked concerns about external interference in regional affairs. However, in a statement on Monday, the embassy stressed that Russia does not meddle in the internal matters of other countries, including Nigeria. The embassy clarified that the actions of the protesters do not represent any official Russian government policy or stance.
The statement read, “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The Government of the Russian Federation and any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.
“As always, we emphasize that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals and do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government on the issue.
“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence, we strictly condemn them.”
General Chris Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence, has labeled the actions of such protesters as treasonable, warning that the law will catch up with them.
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