Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, told a Moscow press briefing on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit that Moscow had no involvement in the display of Russian flags by certain Nigerian youths during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests that ran from 1 to 10 August 2024, and that the flag‑waving was carried out in a private capacity.
Key facts
- The protests, sparked by soaring living costs, saw demonstrators in Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and Abuja brandish Russian flags and chant for foreign military intervention.
- The Nigerian federal government labelled the act treasonous, arresting dozens of protesters and several tailors accused of producing the flags.
- Lavrov emphasized that “anyone who donned the Russian flag did so in his or her personal capacity. It does not mean that Russia was in support of this kind of action.”
- He drew a parallel with Palestinian flag‑waving, noting that personal solidarity does not imply official backing from the Palestinian authorities.
- The Russian embassy in Abuja had previously denied any participation in the incident.
What did Lavrov say about the flag‑waving?
Lavrov asserted that the individuals who displayed the Russian banner acted independently and that the gesture should not be interpreted as an endorsement by Russia of the protesters’ demands. He added that personal expressions of support for causes, such as the Palestinian cause, similarly do not equate to governmental endorsement.
How does Russia view its relationship with Nigeria?
Lavrov highlighted a “robust” bilateral relationship that dates back to the Soviet era, noting an increase in educational scholarships awarded to Nigerians, which he said would peak at 220 in 2026. He recalled meeting his Nigerian counterpart in Abuja earlier in 2024, describing the reception as warm and the ties as “cemented.”
What about Russia’s role in regional security?
The minister mentioned ongoing defence pacts with Sahelian states, claiming Russian assistance aims to neutralise security threats. He accused some Western capitals of deploying Ukrainian mercenaries in Libya to destabilise the region, suggesting a broader geopolitical contest.
Does the recent diesel deal with the United States affect Russia’s stance?
Lavrov described the diesel supply agreement between the United States and Nigeria as a purely commercial arrangement between two world leaders concerned about rising energy costs, insisting it would not influence Russia’s alliances or interests.
Overall, Lavrov’s remarks sought to distance Moscow from any alleged interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs while underscoring the long‑standing partnership between the two nations.