Russia's Expanding Influence in Africa: The Role of African Initiative
A Ghanaian journalist, Ivy Setordjie, published a series of reports in which she refers to Russian-occupied towns in Ukraine as "conflict zones in Russia"
In Burkina Faso, teenage footballers listen to the Russian national anthem before a match, while artists paint a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a graffiti festival. This scene is part of a broader effort by Russia to increase its influence in African nations, particularly through cultural and media initiatives.
The BBC has uncovered evidence that Russia is leveraging media and cultural projects to attract African journalists, influencers, and students, while disseminating misleading information. A key player in this effort is the African Initiative, a recently established Russian media organization. Founded in September 2023, just a month after the death of Wagner's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, African Initiative has taken over structures previously set up by the now-dismantled Wagner mercenary group. Experts believe the organization has ties to Russian security services.
African Initiative has particularly targeted the military-run countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have distanced themselves from Western allies like France following recent coups. These nations are now pivoting towards Russia, criticizing Western interventions and colonial legacies.
African Initiative maintains a robust media presence with a news website in Russian, English, French, and Arabic, along with a video channel and five Telegram channels, one boasting nearly 60,000 subscribers. Some Telegram channels were repurposed from those linked to Wagner and promote the Russian Defence Ministry's paramilitary group, Africa Corps, which has replaced Wagner's military operations in West Africa.
The organization spreads pro-Kremlin narratives and misinformation, especially targeting the United States. For example, their website features unsubstantiated claims that the U.S. is using Africa as a testing ground for biological weapons, echoing long-debunked Kremlin propaganda. Researcher Jedrzej Czerep notes that African Initiative's narratives are more anti-American compared to Prigozhin’s focus on France.
In June, African Initiative organized a “press tour” for journalists from eight countries to Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. This trip, which included visits to Mariupol and Zaporizhzhia, was designed to promote Russian state propaganda. Participants, including American influencer Jackson Hinkle, reported favorably on Russian narratives and presented Ukrainian territories as "conflict zones in Russia."
Beyond press tours, African Initiative's local affiliates in the Sahel region are actively engaging in community outreach to enhance Russia’s image. In Burkina Faso, these efforts include playing the Russian national anthem at football matches, hosting "friendship lessons" in schools about Russia, and organizing events such as a Soviet martial art competition and first aid workshops. The organization also sponsors local screenings of Wagner-backed documentaries and distributes groceries.
According to researcher Czerep, the African Initiative repurposes assets from Wagner and maintains close ties with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Artyom Kureyev, identified as an FSB agent, serves as the head and editor-in-chief of African Initiative, with Anna Zamaraeva, a former Wagner press officer, as deputy editor-in-chief.
Despite repeated requests, African Initiative did not respond to the BBC's queries, and the Russian government did not provide comment. In response to a U.S. Department of State report, African Initiative claimed its mission is to foster knowledge about Africa in Russia and promote Russia in African countries, giving Africans a platform to express their views, including criticism of Western nations.
As part of its ongoing efforts, African Initiative continues to expand its outreach in the Sahel. In late August, about 100 students in Burkina Faso attended a presentation on training opportunities in Russia, underscoring the organization’s commitment to deepening its influence in the region.
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