Russia is leveraging a social media network named Russosphère to spread disinformation targeting France in Africa. This initiative promotes anti-Western views and pro-Kremlin sentiments, impacting perceptions of Ukraine while fostering pro-Russian sentiment. The network is linked to Luc Michel, a Belgian politician with a history of supporting Russian initiatives, and has gained traction amidst growing frustration with Western presence in the Sahel region.
Russia’s influence in Africa is being propelled by a vast social media network known as Russosphère, which disseminates anti-Western and pro-Kreme line propaganda, primarily targeting France’s standing in its former colonies. This network leverages typical messaging that accuses France of neo-colonial practices while glorifying Vladimir Putin and disparaging the Ukrainian military. Russosphère also actively promotes Russia’s Wagner Group, even issuing recruitment information to followers. Experts in the field assert that such disinformation campaigns cultivate mistrust among African nations toward Western countries, contributing to the waning support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. This was revealed by a collaborative investigation between Logically, a tech organization, and the BBC’s Global Disinformation Team, which traced the network back to Luc Michel, a Belgian politician who identifies himself as a Stalinist. Established in 2021 and gaining traction following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russosphère quickly attracted over 80,000 followers despite the ban on Russian state media from mainstream social platforms. Its emergence coincided with deteriorating relations between France and several African nations, a shift analysts attribute partially to Russian influence and the escalating pro-Russian sentiment in Africa, amplified by targeted propaganda. Mr. Michel has a history aligned with pro-Russian initiatives, previously working in Libya and legitimizing voting processes in Russian-occupied territories. Despite denying financial ties to the Russian government, he stated, “I manage the cyberwar, the media war… and Prigozhin conducts military activities.” The campaign is touted as the first substantial impact of his influence operations, gaining a wide array of real followers across Africa. This increase in pro-Russian sentiment is manifested on the ground, with protests advocating for closer ties with Russia and against the French presence in regions such as Mali and Burkina Faso, where Russian flags have been prominently displayed. Observers note the influence campaigns have played a role in changing public opinion against Western military forces in the Sahel, where French troops have been compelled to withdraw. Luc Michel’s ambition, as articulated in the interview, is to see Russia replace France across Africa, commenting, “I think that Russia must replace the French in all of Africa.” This atmosphere of disinformation is causing significant concern within Western diplomatic and military circles, prompting urgent considerations of the evolving geopolitical landscape in Africa.
The article explores the growing influence of Russian disinformation operations in Africa, specifically through a network called Russosphère. This network disseminates anti-Western propaganda while promoting pro-Kremlin narratives, especially against France, as Russia seeks to expand its presence in the continent’s political landscape. The phenomenon is closely tied to rising anti-colonial sentiments and the legacy of Western influence in Africa.
In conclusion, the operations of the Russosphère network reveal a profound impact on the geopolitical dynamics in Africa, facilitating Russia’s challenge to Western influence, particularly that of France. The involvement of individuals like Luc Michel, who advocate for pro-Russian sentiment through misinformation, highlights the importance of understanding and countering such disinformation endeavors. As sentiments shift in favor of Russian alliances, it raises significant concerns for Western nations regarding their diplomatic and military engagements in Africa, warranting vigilant observation and response.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
