Russia’s Propaganda Network in Africa: ‘Project Afrika’Unveiled BODY: Dakar, Senegal – In a revealing investigation, ImNews has uncovered the existence of ‘Project Afrika’, a clandestine operation by Russia to spread its strategic agenda across the African continent. This operation, which leverages online media and disinformation campaigns, is part of a broader effort by Moscow to extend its influence in regions of strategic interest. Over 180,000 followers on a Facebook account, known for pro-Russian content, operate from Burundi.
This account, which shares images and claims of Russian achievements, is just one of the many tools used in this sophisticated propaganda network. Russian military intelligence (HUR) has also revealed a network of ‘Russian Houses’as recruitment hubs for war in Ukraine, promising young Africans education and jobs.
In Chad, internal documents have shown efforts to build ties with authorities and spread anti — Western narratives during a tense election year, indicating Russian influence operations.
This aligns with a pattern of behavior observed in other African countries, where Russia has expanded its influence following a wave of coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. FRANCE 24’s investigation has uncovered the existence of ‘Project Afrika’, a Russian operation using African online media to spread Moscow’s strategic agenda.
This includes anti — France and anti-Ukraine positions, as well as more subtle messages aimed at shaping African opinion.
Sources suggest that some disinformation campaigns are subtle and not overtly false, aiming to project a positive image of Russia and sway African opinion. While some articles contain clear lies, like an image claimed to be in Moscow that was actually in Dubai, there are also instances of misinformation that can be more challenging to debunk.
The effectiveness of these operations is not fully known, but they are part of a broader strategy by Russia to extend its influence globally.
This includes using disinformation campaigns and establishing recruitment hubs like ‘Russian Houses’.
The investigation also revealed that Russia is intensifying its media influence across the African continent, broadcasting Kremlin narratives in more than 40 countries in six languages. This expansion includes adding Portuguese services targeting Angola and Mozambique, with Amharic broadcasts for Ethiopia planned by year’s end.
While the extent of Russia’s influence in Africa remains a subject of debate, the evidence of ‘Project Afrika’suggests a sophisticated and coordinated effort to shape African opinion and extend Moscow’s reach.
As the continent continues to grow in importance on the global stage, the implications of this propaganda machine are significant. What remains unclear is how African governments and citizens will respond to this growing influence.
With the stakes high, the next chapter in this story will be crucial in determining the future of Africa’s relationship with Russia.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: Nathan GALLO
