Kremlin trying to buy media loyalty in West Africa - CCD

The aggressor country of russia is systematically influencing the editorial policy of a number of French-speaking media resources in West African countries in order to spread pro-russian narratives. This is reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD).

Thus, the CCD established that the russian federation not only finances loyal media, but also directly interferes in the creation of content, imposing interpretations of events favorable to Moscow.

According to the information available to the Center, the payment for the publication of one commissioned article ranges from USD 250 to USD 700, which contributed to the formation of a distorted perception of the russian federation's war against Ukraine and the promotion of the image of russia as an alleged "alternative partner" for African states.

"The use of local journalists and opinion leaders to promote Kremlin propaganda is an element of Moscow's hybrid strategy. In this way, russia is trying to create the illusion of "broad international support" for its aggressive policy," the Center notes.

The Center previously reported that Africa has become one of the priorities of russia's foreign policy, and the Kremlin is using "anti-colonial rhetoric" as a cover to establish its own control over the continent's information space.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the Center previously reported how the occupiers are trying to "sell" the war to tourists.