Africa is increasingly becoming a strategic battleground for global influence, and jostling for this influence has become a priority for certain players. And while Africa has historically looked west for support in a symbiotic and somewhat mutually beneficial relationship with both the US and Europe, the growing relationship with Russia should be of great concern to the continent as a whole.
Russia’s involvement in Africa may appear beneficial at first, especially where money, development, fire-power and protection are concerned, but it is clearly coming at a price. And while Putin and the Kremlin have found some willing partners, the cost to the very fabric of democracy so bravely fought for is in danger of being sacrificed.
From plundering gold in Sudan to boost Putin’s war effort in Ukraine, to Russian mercenaries fighting in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali, where they extract gold, diamonds and other vital natural resources as payment for their services, Russia’s relationship with Africa is far from fair or symbiotic. Under the guise of protection for certain governments, Russia has managed to solidify a foothold in the Sahel and beyond that has become a concern to neighbouring countries and the continent as a whole.
As optimism for Russia’s involvement on the continent has begun to wane, the Kremlin has adopted a new tactic to regain its shine, by ramping up its efforts in influencing public opinion. This is being done by utilizing Kremlin-backed media channels to spread a narrative that not only undermines democratic values but also sows unrest on a continent increasingly seen as a strategic battleground for global influence. This phenomenon underscores a troubling trend: the export of authoritarianism packaged as alternative information, often cloaked in the guise of support for anti-imperialist sentiments.
The Kremlin’s media outlets, such as RT and Sputnik, have long been criticized for their role in shaping narratives that align with Russian geopolitical interests. Now, they are intensifying their efforts toward African audiences, where the historical context of colonialism and a pervasive disillusionment with Western interventions provide fertile ground for anti-Western rhetoric. By exploiting these sentiments, the Kremlin aims to position itself as an ally to African nations, all while promoting destabilizing messages that can threaten existing and often fragile democratic frameworks.
Sputnik launched a French-language platform called Sputnik Afrique in July 2022, but shortly after its bureau in France was declared bankrupt and forced to liquidate by a French court.
Sputnik recently claimed to have opened a bureau in Algeria, where it covers news from the Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Sputnik has “two correspondents in Algeria, where they are currently working without accreditation.”
Russia also uses proxies, such as the Cameroon-based TV channel Afrique Média, which disseminates propaganda and disinformation to a large francophone audience in West and Central Africa. Since it was launched in 2008, Afrique Média has grown significantly – reaching millions of people on their TV screens, as well as boasting over 800,000 subscribers on YouTube and 360,000 followers on Facebook. It is one of the most influential francophone news sources in the region and is also one of the most embedded with Kremlin propaganda.
In a 2023 report, Kenya-based data journalism nonprofit Code for Africa said that Afrique Média bears responsibility for amplifying the Kremlin’s narratives and pushing pro-Wagner Group propaganda.
Recent reports indicate that these media operations focus on issues such as socio-economic inequalities, corruption, and the legacies of colonialism, drawing parallels between perceived Western exploitation and Russia’s self-portrayal as a supportive partner. This manipulation of narratives is not merely public relations; it is a calculated effort to reshape public perception and encourage distrust in local and international institutions that have been instrumental in promoting democratic governance.
The consequences are alarming. By amplifying voices that resist democratic governance—whether through disinformation campaigns or by glorifying authoritarian models—Russia is potentially setting the stage for increased political instability.
As African nations grapple with their own visions of governance and democracy, they must remain vigilant against external attempts to manipulate their discourse. This means not only fostering robust domestic media ecosystems that can compete with foreign narratives but also strengthening regional cooperation to combat the infiltration of disinformation and anti-democratic messaging.
In a world where information is often weaponized, the battle for Africa’s future is not solely about economic or military power; it is increasingly about the ability to control narratives. African nations should not only develop media literacy among their populations but also maintain a critical eye toward those who purport to be allies.
The Kremlin’s media strategy may promise support, but it is ultimately a guise for sowing division and strife in a landscape that desperately needs unity and democratic resilience. Dissemination of information is key, but when the narrative is controlled by those same entities that are hell-bent on destabilizing the very fabric of democracy, it is imperative to understand that the fight against authoritarian influences is not a task for governments alone; it is a collective effort that requires an informed citizenry, robust institutions, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
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The Author, Andrew Appiah-Danquah is the Managing Partner of Chromium Law, a premier Ghanaian firm known for its expertise in estate management, aviation, corporate, and environmental law.
With over 15 years of experience, Andrew is renowned for his independent thinking and commitment to delivering tailored legal solutions. His work reflects a dedication to democratic principles, emphasizing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and ethical business practices.
A graduate of the University of Ghana and KNUST, and a member of the Ghana Bar Association, Andrew leverages his strong academic foundation to navigate complex legal and business issues, earning him a reputation as a leading advocate for progressive legal standards in Ghana.
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