A study by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies reveals that Russia is actively undermining democracy in over two dozen African countries. The study highlights Russia's primary tools as political interference, disinformation, and extraconstitutional claims on power. These tactics have proven effective in nations like the Central African Republic (CAR), where Russia’s private military contractor, Africa Corps, not only provides security to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra but also spreads Russian propaganda to legitimize their presence. Additionally, Russia leverages its influence in African countries to secure votes at the UN General Assembly. For example, in the vote on Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, 15 African countries abstained, likely influenced by Russia’s presence in nations such as Mali, Sudan, and CAR.

Russia’s military engagement in African countries has significantly expanded its influence on the continent. The Africa Corps, formerly known as the Wagner Group, operates in nations such as Mali, Libya, and the Central African Republic (CAR). In exchange for their services, these private military contractors gain access to valuable raw materials, such as gold, while simultaneously extending the Kremlin’s political reach. For instance, after France ended its decade-long struggle against Islamist militants and withdrew its forces from Mali, the Malian government requested the withdrawal of the UN’s MINUSMA peacekeeping mission. This decision has had severe repercussions, including reprisals against civilians who collaborated with the UN mission and ongoing instability due to the lack of a lasting solution from the Africa Corps. Mali’s shift from cooperation with former colonial powers to closer ties with Russia through the Africa Corps has only worsened the situation, according to the head of the UN Office for West Africa.

Social media is another crucial tool in Russia’s strategy, used to spread propaganda and disinformation, especially in countries with a weak tradition of independent and free press. Africa Corps, formerly known as the Wagner Group, are the subjects of several propaganda videos on the continent. In a viral video targeted at Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast, Russian soldiers are depicted fighting French zombies, symbolizing French soldiers, who declare Mali as “our country” and claim to be President Emmanuel Macron’s demons. The caricature of Macron in the video asserts, “France will reconquer Africa” a narrative frequently used by Russia to paint the West as neo-colonialist. Additionally, Russia pays African influencers to spread its propaganda. Kemi Seba, a French Beninese influencer with over a million followers on Facebook, often posts anti-Western and pro-Russian content. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he claimed that Moscow was “ trying to reconquer Russian lands”

On August 13, 2023, pro-Russian protests erupted in Takoradi, Ghana, in response to the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) ultimatum for military intervention in Niger following the military junta’s detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. An investigation by Code for Africa (CfA) revealed that Russia was central to these protests, providing Russian flags and funding the production of Wagner Group T-shirts for the demonstrators. This incident underscores the need for Africa to reassess its trade and diplomatic relations with Russia. Countries like Kenya should be particularly cautious about welcoming Russian influence. Evidence indicates that Russia’s involvement in Africa is primarily self-serving, aiming to exploit the continent’s resources and political instability for its own benefit. An EU parliament study showed that Russia secured access to gold and diamonds in the Central African Republic, cobalt in Congo, gold and oil in Sudan, chromite in Madagascar, platinum and diamonds in Zimbabwe, and uranium in Namibia. According to an analysis by the U.S.-based non-profit Democracy 21 group, Wagner and Russia may have profited about $2.5 billion from the African gold trade alone since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia’s track record in Africa demonstrates a pattern of undermining democratic processes and promoting instability. Through political interference, disinformation, and extraconstitutional claims on power, Russia has shown a willingness to manipulate African nations to serve its geopolitical interests. The engagement of private military contractors like Africa Corps further entrenches Russian influence by providing security services in exchange for access to valuable resources, thereby perpetuating a cycle of dependency and exploitation. Moreover, Russia’s use of social media to spread propaganda and disinformation undermines the credibility of local governments and fosters anti-Western sentiment. By funding influencers and orchestrating protests, Russia destabilizes African societies, distracting them from addressing pressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and governance.

Kenya and other African countries should approach their engagement with Russia with caution, as Russia's actions and relations have been shown to contribute to economic instability, political unrest, and the erosion of democratic institutions. By distancing themselves from Russia and strengthening ties with more reliable and supportive partners, African nations can better secure their future and promote sustainable development.

In conclusion, Africa must prioritize partnerships that foster genuine growth and stability, rejecting those that seek to exploit and destabilize. Russia’s aggressive tactics and self-serving agenda present a clear danger to the continent’s progress. By standing firm against Russian interference, Africa can chart a course towards a more secure and prosperous future.

IAN DENNIS, the Writer, is driven by his purpose to create, teach, and guide, which he fulfills through his diverse roles as a Journalist, Innovator, Author, Trainer, Business Coach, and Entrepreneur. As an award-winning TV host, he has achieved acclaim for his outstanding work on the highly rated business magazine show in Kenya, "Late Night Business," and formerly, "The Business Coach," broadcasted on Kenya Television Network (KTN).

As an author, Ian has two books under his belt Business Conquest and Food For Thought which have all been driven by his quest to teach and guide his readers. Business Conquest is an entrepreneurship guide by Ian as a Business Coach that charters one through a practical entrepreneurship pathway using Kenyan entrepreneurship stories. Food for Thought on the other hand is a buffet of over 400 quotes that is meant to trigger a readers thoughts through life and business for one to experience abundance.

Ian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Strathmore University and a Master’s Degree in Digital Journalism from Aga Khan University.