Nigerian protests wave Russian flags amid growing tensions
Anti-government demonstrations are currently ongoing in Nigeria. Participants had Russian flags with them, which is not a coincidence. The Russian embassy issued a statement claiming that "it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria." But the truth seems quite different.
4:03 PM EDT, August 6, 2024
The Russian authorities, through their embassy, responded to the protests that have been taking place in Nigeria for several days, particularly noting the appearance of Russian national colors. Numerous videos from the demonstrations have appeared on social media, showing Nigerians with Russian flags, chanting slogans like "Welcome Russia."
The Russian side emphasized that Nigerians have every right to express their views and assured that they in no way interfere in the governance of this West African country.
The embassy noted reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and photos on digital media showing protesters in northern states carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin – the Russian Embassy in Nigeria said in a statement quoted by the gazettengr.com portal.
Representatives of the Russian Federation assured that they are not only uninvolved in the protest actions but also do not coordinate them. "The intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices and do not reflect any official stance or policy of the Russian government," the statement reads.
Concern in Nigeria is growing
Nigerian authorities and public opinion are not hiding their concern over the appearance of so many Russian symbols at the ongoing protests. They are appearing primarily in northern states, which border pro-Kremlin Niger.
Nigerian media remind us that Russia already has influenced several unconstitutional changes at the top of power in several West African countries. This includes not only the aforementioned Niger but also Burkina Faso and Mali.
The demonstrations in Nigeria are accompanied by riots, clashes with police officers, and looting. According to information provided by Nigerian services, so far at least 14 people have lost their lives in the demonstrations.
