The Russian government has responded to reports that Russian flags were displayed during protests in Kano on Saturday.
Yury Paramonov, Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Abuja, firmly denied any involvement by Russia in these protests or any related incidents in Nigeria.
The embassy clarified that any display of Russian symbols was not authorized or supported by the Russian government, emphasizing that Russia maintains a stance of non-interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
“The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has no information about any groups of protesters using the Russian flag or other state symbols of our country,” Paramonov stated. “We have not seen such photo or video materials and would appreciate it if The Punch could provide us with such materials if they exist. Even if such incidents did occur, it would be the decision of individuals. We do not know why they might have used Russian flags.”
He further clarified, “The Russian Federation is in no way involved in the current events in Nigeria. Moreover, Russia does not provide any material or financial support to the protesters.”
This reaction comes amidst growing concerns among some Nigerians, including former military officials and diplomats, who are alarmed by the presence of what appeared to be Russian flags during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. These protests, which began on August 1, are a response to the widespread hardship experienced by citizens.
Reports indicate that security agents have killed at least 17 protesters and arrested many others across the country. Images and videos of protesters in Kano waving Russian flags while chanting “We don’t want bad government” in Hausa have raised security concerns.
Prominent Nigerians have voiced their worries about the implications of this development. Bulama Bukarti, a lawyer, highlighted the growing support for Russia and rising anti-West sentiment in Northern Nigeria. He noted that the protesters seemed to be organically displaying Russian flags, suggesting an emerging trend that could attract malign actors.
Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, urged authorities to monitor the situation closely. Award-winning journalist Philip Obaji Jr. speculated that Russia might be pleased to see its flags in the protests, drawing a connection to Russian involvement in political unrest in other West African countries.
Source: News360