Russia’s Strategic Influence in Africa: A War of Narratives, Football, and Graffiti

Russia has been employing a blend of media, cultural initiatives, and strategic disinformation. As evidence found by the BBC suggests, these efforts aim to attract African journalists, influencers, and students, while spreading misleading narratives that favor Moscow’s interests. Burkina Faso, along with other West African nations like Mali and Niger, has become a focal point of these operations, highlighting Russia’s expanding influence on the continent.

The African Initiative, a newly established Russian media organization, is at the forefront of this campaign. Marketed as an “information bridge between Russia and Africa,” it continues the legacy of the now-disbanded Wagner Group, which was previously led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Registered in September 2023, just a month after Prigozhin’s death, the organization is believed to have connections with the Russian security services. It has also absorbed former Wagner employees, further consolidating its operational base in Africa.

Russia’s efforts are focused on fostering closer ties with the military-run nations of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have pivoted towards Moscow following recent coups and a growing disillusionment with Western allies, especially France. This shift has been fueled by the perception of failed Western interventions against jihadist threats and lingering colonial legacies.

The African Initiative employs a multi-pronged strategy that includes maintaining a multilingual news website, operating various Telegram channels, and organizing events that promote Russian culture and ideology. Notably, some Telegram channels were repurposed from those previously managed by Wagner-linked groups, highlighting a continuity in messaging and outreach strategies. These channels were among the first to promote the Russian Defence Ministry’s paramilitary group, Africa Corps, which has taken over Wagner’s military roles in West Africa.

The content disseminated by the African Initiative often includes pro-Kremlin narratives and disinformation, particularly targeting the United States. This includes unsubstantiated claims about the US using Africa as a testing ground for bio-weapons and allegations that American bio-labs are conducting secretive experiments on the continent. Such stories echo discredited Kremlin disinformation campaigns that were previously aimed at discrediting US activities in Ukraine and beyond.

One of the key tools in Russia’s influence strategy is organizing “press tours” for African journalists and bloggers, providing them with a curated view of Russia’s activities, including its military operations in Ukraine. In June, a group of reporters from eight African countries participated in a seven-day tour of Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, sponsored by Russian state media and officials. The journalists were also given a tour of African Initiative’s headquarters in Moscow. These visits are designed to shape the perspectives of African media, presenting Russia’s viewpoints as authentic and credible alternatives to Western narratives.

Russia’s outreach extends beyond media manipulation; it includes community engagement activities in West Africa’s Sahel region. In Burkina Faso, the African Initiative has been involved in organizing local events such as football competitions, martial arts contests, and graffiti festivals, all of which prominently feature Russian themes. These activities aim to foster a positive image of Russia among local populations while subtly aligning with the region’s growing anti-Western sentiment.

The African Initiative’s efforts to portray Russia in a favorable light and as a reliable ally contrast sharply with the West’s waning influence in the region. Through targeted media campaigns, cultural diplomacy, and direct community engagement, Russia is making significant inroads in Africa, reshaping the continent’s geopolitical landscape in favor of Moscow. As this influence grows, it underscores the broader global competition for hearts, minds, and alliances in a world increasingly defined by multipolar rivalry.