Embassy Clarifies Stance on Protesters Waving Russian Flags.
FCT, Abuja – The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement with protesters in Northern Nigeria who carried Russian flags and chanted slogans, distancing itself from allegations of external interference.
Their actions made people raise eyebrows over possible foreign influence, considering that Russia is accused of having had a hand in political upsets in countries of West Africa like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Russian Embassy, however, explained that these were individual actions of private citizens, thus not reflecting any kind of official policy or position of the Russian government.
As always, we would like to 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 these individuals; and they in no way do reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government in the issue,” the embassy stated on Monday, August 5.
The Chief of Defence, Nigeria, General Chris Musa, has branded their act as treasonable, adding that the law would soon catch up with them. The Russian Embassy respect and acknowledge democracy in Nigeria, with peaceful demonstrations, but rejects all sorts of disorders and violent actions that may result from such meetings.
Background of the Protests
The protests, which began on Thursday, August 1, saw Nigerians troop into the streets to demand that government do something about the raving hunger and economic hardship. They demanded the fuel subsidy removal be reversed, the proscribed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, be freed, and also that the 1999 constitution be suspended.
The presidency had termed their demand as an invitation to anarchy, cautioning against moves that would truncate 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria. The protesters refused to back down amidst the challenge as many of them vowed to continue the demonstration until their demands were met.
Security Response and Curfews
Violence has been reported in at least some of the states, including looting. The police reacted by firing on some of the protesters. At least 17 people had been killed on the first day of protest. Several governors responded by declaring curfews in their respective states to curb the situation.
While the investigations go on, one focuses on sorting out the demands of the protesting people while ensuring peace and order are maintained throughout the country.
