The Russian government has dismissed claims that it was involved in the October 1st hunger protests in Nigeria, stating that Western countries are trying to damage the strong diplomatic relationship between Moscow and Abuja.
In a letter addressed to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia rejected accusations that it played a role in the protests, where some demonstrators were seen waving Russian flags and chanting slogans. The letter circulated on Friday by Yury Paramonov, Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, highlighted Russia’s stance on the matter and accused the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine of creating false narratives.
During the October 1st hunger protests, which took place on Nigeria’s Independence Day, several protesters held placards demanding solutions to the worsening economic situation in the country. Amid these demonstrations, some protestors were seen carrying Russian flags. This led to speculations of Russia’s involvement in the unrest, with claims that Moscow might be backing certain movements to destabilize the Nigerian government.
In response, Russia denied any involvement. The embassy’s letter stressed that the Russian Federation has always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and categorically rejected accusations of interference. The letter noted that certain Western powers, including the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko, had suggested that the use of Russian flags was evidence of Russia’s alleged meddling in Nigerian affairs.
“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,” the letter read.
The embassy further explained that these claims were part of a broader effort by the West to harm Russia’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria.
Russia has called on the Federal Government to dismiss what it described as a campaign of misinformation by the West. According to the embassy, this is a deliberate attempt by foreign powers to create distrust between the two nations.
“The embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past, nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest,” the letter stated.
Russia emphasized that its foreign policy has always been based on mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. The letter reaffirmed that the Russian government values its relationship with Nigeria and sees it as one rooted in cooperation, peace, and mutual benefit.
“We urge the Nigerian government and people to remain focused on the facts and not be swayed by Western propaganda aimed at discrediting the positive relationship we share,” the embassy added.
Russia’s denial of involvement in Nigeria’s hunger protests comes amid growing concerns about its influence in other parts of West Africa. In recent months, Russia has been accused of backing military coups and political upheavals in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These accusations have led to increasing fears about the role of external actors in shaping the political landscape of the region.
Moscow has been linked to the notorious Wagner Group, a private military contractor accused of operating in conflict zones across Africa. In some cases, the group has been accused of aiding regimes that have come to power through military takeovers. Western nations, particularly the U.S. and U.K., have raised alarms about Russia’s growing influence in Africa, arguing that it undermines democracy and stability in the region.
However, Russia has repeatedly denied these accusations, maintaining that it has no involvement in the internal politics of African nations. Moscow insists that it only seeks to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with African countries, and any claims to the contrary are part of a broader campaign by Western countries to limit its influence on the continent.
The October 1st protests in Nigeria were primarily sparked by rising hunger and worsening economic conditions in the country. Citizens took to the streets to voice their frustration over the increasing cost of living, inflation, and unemployment. These protests were part of a broader wave of discontent across Nigeria, where many people have been struggling to cope with economic hardship.
While some demonstrators carried Russian flags, most of the protest was centered on domestic issues, particularly the government’s handling of the economy. Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a drop in oil revenues, inflation, and the devaluation of the naira. These issues have been exacerbated by the global economic downturn and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, the involvement of Russian symbols raised eyebrows. This led to speculation about foreign interference, with some Western officials suggesting that Moscow could be behind efforts to destabilize Nigeria as part of a larger geopolitical strategy in Africa.
