Nigeria Protests: Moscow Slams US, UK for 'Unfounded' Allegations

Russia Issues Stern Warning to Western Nations on Nigeria Protest Claims

“Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria...”

Global tensions soar as Russia accuses West of meddling in Nigeria's Internal Affairs, sparking diplomatic row.

Tensions are escalating between Russia and Ukraine due to conflicting statements regarding protests in Nigeria. Russia has issued a stern warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of interfering in Nigeria's internal affairs and undermining Russia's relationship with the country. This warning comes on the heels of protests that swept across Nigeria on October 1, sparking concerns about foreign influence.

The protests in Nigeria are fueled by growing public discontent over soaring inflation, worsening insecurity, ineffective governance, and rising fuel prices. The demonstrations coincide with local elections, putting pressure on the government to address citizens' concerns. Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is under scrutiny to demonstrate its commitment to reform and accountability.

Russia's warning is a response to accusations that it supported the protests in Nigeria. However, reports suggest that pro-Russian sentiment was marginal to the larger protests. The Nigerian government has arrested individuals for waving Russian flags, labeling these acts as treason.

The situation in Nigeria is complex, with economic challenges driving public discontent. The government must balance the need for economic reform with the risk of instability. The international community, including the United States, can play a supportive role by promoting democratic governance and anti-corruption efforts.

Protests have been raging in Nigeria since August 1, sparked by widespread discontent with President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms. The elimination of fuel and electricity subsidies, coupled with the devaluation of the naira, has left many Nigerians feeling frustrated and disenfranchised. These reforms have led to soaring inflation, with rates reaching 34.19% in June 2024, making basic necessities unaffordable for many.

The August protests took a concerning turn in Kano, where demonstrators waving Russian flags were arrested, fueling fears of foreign interference. This incident has heightened anxieties about Russia's growing influence in West Africa. Many Nigerians are alarmed by the potential for external forces to exploit their country's economic vulnerabilities.

The protests resumed on October 1, with youths across the country expressing their continued dissatisfaction with the government's economic policies. The demonstrations reflect a broader sense of unease among Nigeria's youth, who are demanding better governance and economic opportunities. As the country struggles to address its economic challenges, the international community is watching closely to see how President Tinubu's administration will respond to these pressing concerns.

Russia's Press Secretary, Yury Paramonov, has categorically denied allegations from Western and Ukrainian media outlets that Russia is fueling the unrest in Nigeria. Paramonov specifically addressed claims made by prominent individuals such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and Ukraine's Ambassador to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko, who suggested that the presence of Russian flags at protests pointed to Russia's involvement.

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria went a step further, accusing the United States and the United Kingdom of attempting to sabotage Russia's diplomatic relationship with Nigeria by spreading these unfounded claims. In a formal letter to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paramonov emphasized that Russia's intentions in Nigeria are genuine and not driven by any ulterior motives.

It's worth noting that the protests in Nigeria, which began on August 1, are primarily driven by domestic concerns such as economic hardship, inflation, and governance issues. The appearance of Russian flags at some protests has sparked concerns about foreign interference, but Russia maintains that it has no role in the unrest.

“I would like to share with you our note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, which we sent at the end of September when there were rumors of potential unrest in Nigeria, and the embassies of the USA, the UK and Ukraine were prematurely trying to blame Russia for it.

“As expected, all these claims turned out to be fabrications and attempts to create discord between the friendly peoples of Russia and Nigeria.

“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has taken note of the media reports circulating about possible protests in Nigeria at the beginning of October this year.

“The embassy is also dismayed by the fact that certain Western and Ukrainian media outlets are attempting to preemptively accuse Russia of involvement in, or even organising such unrest.

“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 statement read in part.

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has vehemently denied allegations of involvement in the recent protests, calling them baseless and unfounded. The embassy claims that Western and Ukrainian officials are orchestrating a coordinated media campaign to shift blame onto Russia and interfere with Nigeria's internal affairs.

Russia emphasized the robust relationship between the two nations, reaffirming its commitment to supporting peaceful dialogue and adherence to Nigeria's legal framework to resolve internal issues. The statement also expressed Russia's unwavering support for Nigeria's leadership and its citizens.

This development comes amid Nigeria's ongoing protests, which began on August 1, sparked by economic hardship, inflation, and governance concerns. The protests have been largely driven by domestic grievances, with demonstrators demanding better living conditions and accountability from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

Pointers 

Russian Embassy's Response: Denied allegations of involvement in protests

Accusations: Western and Ukrainian officials orchestrating media campaign to shift blame

Russia-Nigeria Relations: Robust relationship, commitment to peaceful dialogue

Protest Context: Economic hardship, inflation, governance concerns driving demonstrations.

The statement added, “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.

“Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria.

“We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states.

“By contrast, the coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and outlets clearly points to their attempts to meddle in Nigeria's internal affairs and shift the blame for any consequences onto the Russian Federation.

“We greatly value the 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.”

Ukraine's Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, has issued a scathing response to Russia's warning, denouncing the Russian regime's actions on the global stage. Kholostenko strongly condemned Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, labeling it an “egregious act of aggression” aimed at subjugating Ukraine and erasing its national identity.

Kholostenko emphasized that Russia's actions in Ukraine constitute a blatant violation of international law and sovereignty. He urged the global community to remain vigilant and united in condemning Russia's reckless behavior, which undermines regional stability and global security.

The ambassador's statement comes amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations, including the US and UK, over allegations of Russian interference in Nigeria's internal affairs. Russia has denied involvement in Nigeria's protests, instead accusing Western and Ukrainian officials of orchestrating a smear campaign.

Key Points:

Ukraine's Response: Condemnation of Russian regime and behavior

Invasion of Ukraine: Characterized as unprovoked and unjustified aggression

International Community: Urged to unite against Russian actions

Global Implications: Regional stability and security threatened

“Ukraine knows perfectly well what the Russian regime is.

“And we would like to refer to the truthful facts.

“The truth is that the Russian army commits awful and numerous war crimes and atrocities in the territory of Ukraine every day.

“Russians kill, rape and torture civilians, including women and children,” the ambassador said.

Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and attacks on Ukrainian grain exports are being seen as a deliberate attempt to destabilize global food security. By pulling out of the initiative, Russia has effectively blocked Ukraine's grain exports, which had been a vital source of food for many developing countries. This move has been widely condemned, with the United States expressing deep regret over Russia's decision, citing the harmful impact on millions of vulnerable people worldwide.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was a critical agreement that allowed Ukraine to export grain and other agricultural products through the Black Sea, helping to stabilize global food prices. Ukraine's grain exports played a significant role in meeting global demand, with over 32 million metric tons of grain shipped since August 2022. The initiative's collapse has raised concerns about food availability, particularly in countries that rely heavily on Ukrainian grain.

Impacts of Russia's Withdrawal:

Blocked Grain Exports: Ukraine's grain exports have been halted, affecting global food availability.

Increased Food Prices: The withdrawal has led to concerns about rising food prices, exacerbating food insecurity 

Devastating Impact on Ukraine's Agriculture: Russia's actions have severely impacted Ukraine's agricultural sector, reducing production and exports.

The international community is calling for a resolution to this crisis, emphasizing the need to address the global food security concerns sparked by Russia's actions.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, pointed to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin as evidence of Russia's disregard for international law. The warrant, issued in March 2023, stems from the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied areas. This development underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and the international community.

Aishah Gambari, Press and Media Specialist at the US Embassy in Abuja, has promised to respond to the allegations made by the Russian government. However, as of the latest update, she has yet to provide a statement. Meanwhile, attempts to contact a representative of the UK Government have been unsuccessful, with emails and text messages going unanswered.

For more information on the U.S. Embassy's stance on this matter, you can visit their official website or contact them directly. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached at +234 209 461 4000, while the Consulate in Lagos can be contacted at +234 201 460 3400.