The African initiative “as a Moscow-based news agency that covers events across the continent, it aims to “expand the knowledge of Russians and Africans to each other and to each other.”
But in reality, it is classified as the “major vehicle” of Russian disinformation activities across Africa, according to a new report from Vignium, a French agency that monitors foreign digital interference.
Some individuals running African initiatives have partnered with the Russian intelligence reporting agency, while others have been identified as former members of the Wagner Paramilitary Group.
The African Initiative began in September 2023, just a month after Wagner founder and one of its leaders, Yevgeny Prigozin, died in a plane crash.
Prigozhin played a tool in promoting Russian interests on the African continent. After his death, Moscow hurried on behalf of Wagner-run operations across the African continent.
Outlets publish content on a variety of websites in several languages. This includes Telegram (showing out 70,000 subscribers across the channel) and a variety of Facebook and Tiktok accounts.
In addition to publishing articles and digital content, outlets are embedded in the community using local fronts and soft power initiatives such as journalism schools and press trips.
In June, for example, the outlet held a conference aimed at dismantling “mythology, negative stories” about Russia and instead building an opportunity to “create an objective image of Russia on the African continent.”
The African initiative is also promoting the development of activities in former French colonies in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which constitute the Sahel alliance.
West African countries under Juntas’ rule are distanced from France and other western allies, criticizing the failed intervention in the legacy of Islamic extremists and their colonies, and instead heading towards Russia.
Following Prigozin’s death, Moscow launched a new paramilitary group called the “African Corps,” which is thought to be managed and closely monitored by the Russian Ministry of Defence, as part of the Kremlin’s plan to strengthen grip on ongoing operations across Africa.
