The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has stated that while it supports the right to peaceful protests, the individuals waving Russian flags and chanting slogans in support of President Putin are acting on their own accord.
The embassy emphasized that these actions do not reflect official Russian policy or involvement.
The protestors, who paraded through the streets carrying the flag and chanting slogans calling Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparked immediate speculation about Russia’s role in local political unrest.
Russia, a major global power with considerable influence in global geopolitics, has faced accusations of meddling in the political climates of several West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This has led to heightened fears of external interference in regional matters.
In response to the protest, the Russian Embassy issued a statement on Monday, emphasizing that the Russian government had no involvement in or endorsement of the demonstrators’ actions. The embassy clarified that the presence of Russian flags and slogans were personal choices by individuals, not coordinated or supported by Russian officials.
The embassy’s statement read: “We have observed reports and videos circulating in Nigerian media showing protesters in northern states with Russian flags and slogans directed at President Vladimir Putin. We want to make it absolutely clear that neither the Russian government nor any Russian officials are involved in these activities. The actions of these individuals do not represent any official Russian policy or stance.”
The statement further affirmed Russia’s respect for Nigerian sovereignty, stating, “Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria. We support the right to peaceful demonstrations in accordance with Nigerian law. However, any disruption or violence resulting from these actions would be firmly condemned by us.”
In reaction to the protests, General Chris Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence, has described the demonstrators’ actions as treasonable, warning that legal repercussions are imminent for those involved.
