Russian disinformation in Africa
05.09.2022
The recent intensification of Russian disinformation activities can be seen across Africa, Asia and South America. Disinformation activities are aimed at achieving Russia's political objectives in relation to Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Kremlin is keen to build an image of the United States as a force for the destruction of world order. At the same time, Russian propaganda presents the Kremlin as a stable and attractive partner.
Disinformation activities are also calculated to manipulate the image of Russia's war against Ukraine. Moscow promotes the narrative that the United States has been using Ukraine to threaten the entire world for years. This is served by claims of bio-laboratories in Ukraine, which the US allegedly used for military actions against Russia, as well as accusations of Washington pursuing an imperial policy towards other states and nations.
The last thread Russian propaganda uses particularly intensively in Africa. Countries in the region are being persuaded that the West - mainly the USA - treats Africa as an area to colonize, in which Europe and the USA have no interest. Russia sends African societies the message that Western countries want to develop at Africa's expense. At the same time, it is pointed out that Africa is increasingly aware of these threats. Countries that are unequivocally in favor of cooperation with Russia and are pursuing such a policy are set as role models. At the same time, Russia seeks to stigmatize those capitals that support and assist Ukraine. It is pointed out that their behavior proves that 'neo-Nazi Ukrainian propaganda' also reaches Africa.
As part of its disinformation efforts, Russia also suggests that it is the West that is cynically leading to problems in the agricultural market, which could result in a famine crisis in Africa. In this way, it is clearly trying to manipulate the effects of Russia's actions against UA.
In recent times, Russian disinformation activities within Africa, Asia and South America have been amplified. This may be linked to the Kremlin's attempts to seek new political allies to support Russian goals internationally.
Stanisław Żaryn
Spokesman for the Minister Coordinator of Special Services