In northern Nigeria, approximately 40 individuals have been arrested for waving Russia’s national flag during protests against the soaring cost of living and what they see as “bad governance.” These actions have sparked widespread concern and raised important questions about the direction of Nigeria’s political and economic future.
The arrests come amid nationwide protests that have gripped Nigeria for six days, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people and the detention of over 700 others. Demonstrators, frustrated with the high cost of living and the perceived failure of their government, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction. While most chanted slogans such as “we are hungry,” a minority showed their support for Russia and President Vladimir Putin by waving Russian flags, a symbolic gesture that has provoked a heavy-handed response from the Nigerian government.
Army Chief Christopher Musa has labeled the display of foreign flags, particularly the Russian tricolor, as a “treasonable offence.” This crackdown is widely seen as an effort to suppress any growing sympathy for Russia in Nigeria, a country that has long been aligned with Western powers like the United States and France.
However, the shift in sentiment among some Nigerians is not entirely surprising. Across West Africa, several countries have begun distancing themselves from the West, particularly following recent military coups in nations like Niger, Nigeria’s neighbor. These nations, disillusioned with Western-backed civilian governments that have struggled with issues like insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship, are increasingly looking towards Russia for support and guidance.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023 after a hotly contested election, has seen his approval ratings plummet. Many Nigerians blame his policies, including the removal of a long-standing state subsidy on fuel, for the sharp rise in the cost of living. This policy change has caused fuel prices to skyrocket, leading to increased costs for food and other basic necessities.
Despite these challenges, President Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain patient, promising that his policies will eventually yield positive results. He has called for an end to the protests and has met with security chiefs to address the growing unrest. Yet, the arrest of protesters for waving Russian flags suggests a deeper unease within the government about the direction of public sentiment.
Interestingly, the Russian embassy in Nigeria has distanced itself from the protests, emphasizing that the use of Russian flags was a “personal choice” of the demonstrators. The embassy reiterated that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of other nations, including Nigeria.
The protests, particularly in the northwestern states of Kaduna and Zamfara, have seen significant turnouts, with nearly 40 Russian flags and one Chinese flag confiscated. A curfew has been imposed in Kaduna, the sixth state to do so, further escalating tensions as millions are forced to remain indoors.
The situation has drawn international attention, with rights groups like Amnesty International condemning the excessive force used by security forces, which has resulted in 13 deaths since the protests began. President Tinubu, in a recent address to the nation, pledged to address the concerns of the protesters, while also condemning those who have used the unrest as an opportunity for looting.
As Nigeria navigates these turbulent times, the support expressed by some for Russia reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the status quo and a yearning for change. The arrests for waving the Russian flag underscore the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape and the potential for new alliances in a rapidly changing world.
