AGS NEWS – The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” protests.
During ongoing demonstrations against hunger and bad governance, protesters in northern Nigeria have been marching with Russian flags and chanting slogans.
Russia has been accused of involvement in political upheavals in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The presence of Russian flags at the Nigerian protests raised concerns about external interference.
However, in a statement on Monday, August 5, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria emphasized that Russia does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, including Nigeria.
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The embassy stated that the protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
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 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.
“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.”