Russia Denies Role in Nigeria’s Hunger Protests: A Deep Dive

The Russian government has denied involvement in the October 1st hunger protests in Nigeria, claiming that Western countries are attempting to strain relations with Nigeria by connecting it with the unrest.
In a letter to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made accessible by Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria, Yury Paramonov, the Russian government distanced itself from the protests.

The statement emphasized that Russia has no connection to the demonstrations despite images of protesters waving Russian flags and chanting during the event.

Russia has been accused of political interference in several West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, prompting concerns about its influence in the region.

However, Moscow insists that the United States, the UK, and Ukraine are falsely linking Russia to the Nigerian protests in a bid to damage the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Russia further accused Western countries and Ukraine of engaging in a coordinated media campaign to interfere in Nigeria’s domestic matters while attempting to shift blame to Russia for any unrest.

The letter stated, “In particular, statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference and have further warned that this could happen again in the future.”

“The Embassy unequivocally rejects such charges and reiterates that the Russian Federation was not involved in the recent protests and has no relation to any potential future demonstrations or disruption.

“Russia has always recognized Nigeria’s sovereignty. We absolutely uphold the concept of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

In contrast, the concerted media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and outlets clearly demonstrates their intentions to meddle in Nigeria’s domestic affairs and shift responsibility for any consequences to the Russian Federation.

“We greatly value the level of relations between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within the legal framework as the proper means to resolve any internal disputes, and once again express our unwavering support for the leadership and the people of Nigeria.”

Additionally, the Russian Embassy sent President Vladimir Putin’s congratulatory letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Nigeria’s National Day, wishing the country prosperity and stability while hoping for ongoing collaboration between Russia and Nigeria.