Russia’s Disinformation Campaign in Africa: From Clumsy Fakes to Subtle Narratives
A recent Facebook post showcasing a glittering marina with modern skyscrapers, falsely attributed to Moscow but actually depicting Dubai, exemplifies the spectrum of Russia’s disinformation campaign in Africa. While this particular instance was easily debunked through a reverse image search, it highlights the broader trend of Russia attempting to reshape its image across the continent. The account responsible for the post, operated from Burundi under the pseudonym "Vladimir Poutine," regularly disseminates pro-Russian content, demonstrating a calculated effort to influence public opinion. This incident underscores the multifaceted nature of Russia’s disinformation strategy, which encompasses blatant falsehoods alongside more nuanced narratives designed to resonate with local audiences.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, a U.S. military think tank, identifies Russia as the primary driver of state-sponsored disinformation campaigns in Africa. Their March 2024 report revealed a staggering fourfold increase in documented campaigns compared to two years prior, with Russia attributed to 80 out of nearly 200 identified operations. This surge underscores the Kremlin’s growing investment in manipulating online narratives. While clumsy fakes like the misrepresented Moscow skyline exist, the core of Russia’s strategy revolves around distorting factual information, omitting crucial details, and exploiting existing anti-Western sentiments prevalent across the continent. By amplifying pre-existing narratives of Western exploitation, Russia subtly positions itself as a preferable alternative.
Experts like Aldu Cornelissen, co-founder of South African digital consultancy Murmur Intelligence, emphasize the sophisticated nature of Russia’s approach. Rather than relying solely on outright lies, the strategy focuses on manipulating existing public perceptions. Cornelissen describes a "global network of key accounts" interwoven with local influencers who adapt the overarching narrative to resonate with specific cultural contexts. This localized approach ensures that the message appears genuine, originating from within the community rather than from a distant, foreign entity.
This decentralized network relies heavily on so-called "nano-influencers," individuals who, for a small fee, disseminate tailored messages across their networks. This cost-effective strategy allows Russia to quickly establish and propagate narratives, often leveraging existing social tensions. Over time, these narratives become ingrained within local discourse, with some individuals even internalizing and propagating them organically. In addition to paid influencers, a network of "buzzers"—both human-controlled and automated accounts—amplifies the reach of these messages, creating an illusion of widespread support and organic engagement. This orchestrated manipulation creates an echo chamber that reinforces the desired narrative.
Beyond social media, Russia utilizes more traditional channels to disseminate its message. State-sponsored radio stations, such as Lengo Songo in the Central African Republic, broadcast pro-Russian content under the guise of local programming. The use of local journalists and experts lends credibility to these broadcasts, masking their underlying agenda. Despite sanctions, Russia’s state broadcaster RT continues to operate in Africa, broadcasting via satellite and online platforms while actively shaping public opinion. RT frequently features pro-Russian voices, including journalists and officials linked to governments favorable to the Kremlin. This coordinated media strategy further reinforces the narrative of Russia as a benevolent partner.
The late Yevgeny Prigozhin’s online news site, African Initiative, represents another facet of Russia’s media campaign. Presenting itself as a bridge between Russia and Africa, the platform operates a network of accounts across various social media platforms, some overtly linked to the organization and others operating more covertly. African Initiative engages in various activities, including hosting public events showcasing Russian military prowess and operating a journalism school in Mali, where top graduates are recruited as correspondents. This strategy aims to cultivate a new generation of journalists sympathetic to the Russian narrative.
The use of "militainment" – the blending of military themes with entertainment – is another tactic employed by Russia. The action film "Tourist" portrays a heroic Russian soldier fighting in the Central African Republic, while the video game "African Dawn" allows players to assume the roles of Sahel armies aided by Russia. These examples contribute to the narrative of Russia as a powerful and effective military ally. This type of soft power projection aims to subtly influence public perception and normalize the presence of Russian military forces in the region.
Russia’s disinformation campaigns often capitalize on existing anti-Western sentiments, strategically amplifying criticisms of former colonial powers. This strategy plays on historical grievances and presents Russia as a respectful partner willing to treat African nations as equals. This narrative resonates with some audiences who view Russia’s involvement as a counterbalance to Western influence. The historical context of Soviet support for African liberation movements is often invoked, albeit selectively, to bolster this narrative. While these historical ties are real, they are often exaggerated and romanticized to further fuel anti-Western sentiment and position Russia as a natural ally.
By employing a combination of blatant falsehoods, subtle narrative manipulation, and strategic engagement with local influencers, Russia is actively reshaping its image and expanding its influence in Africa. The sophisticated nature of this campaign makes it challenging to counter, particularly in a landscape characterized by limited media literacy and readily available social media platforms. The Kremlin’s long-term goal appears to be establishing a strong foothold on the continent by exploiting existing grievances and fostering narratives that position Russia as a preferable partner to the West. The increasing sophistication and scope of these disinformation campaigns underscores the need for proactive measures to counter their influence and promote media literacy across the continent.