Russia’s Expandings its Web of Disinformation Across Africa

Russia‘s Influence Campaigns in Africa

A recent investigation by Microsoft has revealed Russia‘s active involvement in launching sympathetic media outlets, courting anti-French public support, and creating civil society organizations in turbulent African states. By capitalizing on the instability caused by coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, Russia is employing various influence campaigns to advance its interests in the region. This report highlights the tactics employed by Russia, including the use of content to stoke anti-French sentiment and the involvement of the Wagner Group.

Stoking Anti-French Sentiment

In countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where the prevalence of the French language stems from their colonial history, Russia has focused on undermining French influence by silencing the largest French-language news sources from the West. Coup leaders in these countries have denounced Radio France International and France 24 as adversaries, effectively suppressing these media outlets. This suppression creates fertile ground for alternative narratives to flourish and enables Russia to disseminate content through its pro-Russian media networks, with the aim of stoking anti-French sentiment.

Russian-backed media has actively praised coup leaders and broadcast supportive messages from nations friendly to Russia. By championing national sovereignty and denigrating France, Russia exacerbates tensions, provoking Western nations to withdraw their diplomats and take other actions. These actions serve to heighten the perception of Russia as a supportive ally in the face of French interference.

Russia‘s Alternative Partnership for Economic Development

As part of its broader strategy, Russia has established the Russia–Africa Alternative Partnership for Economic Development. This partnership, with chapters in multiple African countries and a Nigerien leader, provides a platform for Russia to engage with African nations and seek influence. Members of this partnership have participated in pro-coup protests, expressing support for the junta regimes and expressing their desire for closer ties with Russia.

An example of Russia‘s influence within this framework is its support for l’Union des patriotes panafricanistes, a political party whose leader openly endorses Russia‘s actions in enabling the Niger coup. This party has gained the support of Nigerien musicians, some of whom have released a music video opposing the French army.

The Role of Wagner Group

One significant actor in Russia‘s influence apparatus is the Wagner Group, a state-funded private military company. Wagner Group has utilized platforms like Facebook to spread pro-Russian propaganda and disseminate pro-coup messaging. This private military company was first deployed to Mali in December 2021, engaging in combat operations and running influence campaigns that contributed to the Malian constitutional referendum.

In the case of Niger, while the Russian government did not explicitly declare support for the coup, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent figure associated with Wagner Group, openly expressed his endorsement before his death in August. The fate of Wagner operatives in Africa following Prigozhin’s death remains unknown, but it is clear that Wagner Group played a significant role in Russia‘s influence operations on the continent.

Analysis and Editorial

The findings of Microsoft’s investigation shed light on the far-reaching and organized nature of Russia‘s influence campaigns in Africa. By exploiting existing instability and pandering to anti-French sentiment, Russia seeks to establish itself as an alternative ally, promising sovereignty and economic development. This concerted effort not only challenges French influence but also poses risks to democratic governance and stability in African nations.

At a time when disinformation and foreign interference have become pervasive challenges globally, this investigation serves as a wake-up call for governments and multilateral organizations to strengthen cybersecurity measures and address the root causes that make African nations susceptible to these influence campaigns.

Advice on Addressing Influence Campaigns

Given the multifaceted nature of influence campaigns, comprehensive strategies are needed to counter them effectively. The following steps should be considered:

1. Enhance Internet Security: Governments and organizations must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their networks and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.
2. Improve Media Literacy: Educating citizens about media literacy is crucial to ensure they can differentiate between trustworthy sources and disinformation.
3. Strengthen Democratic Institutions: Building strong democratic institutions will help protect against external influence campaigns and support transparent and accountable governance.
4. Collaborate with International Partners: Addressing influence campaigns requires international cooperation and information sharing among governments, multilateral organizations, and tech companies.
5. Support Independent Journalism: Ensuring a vibrant and diverse media landscape is essential for countering disinformation and providing accurate and balanced information to the public.

By implementing these measures, governments and organizations can minimize the impact of influence campaigns and safeguard democratic processes and national security.