Confidential documents leaked into the public domain disclosed Russian operatives’ systematic placement of hundreds of articles in French-speaking media across West and Central Africa, prompting an investigation by FRANCE 24 in Dakar, Senegal.
“These articles clearly aim to manipulate public opinion,” stated Ibrahima Lissa Faye, Head of Publication at PressAfrik, a Senegalese news outlet that published 13 articles linked to Russian propaganda following a March disclosure from FRANCE 24.
These publications represent part of a broader Russian strategy targeting the African continent. The documents detail “Project Afrika,” an operation designed to leverage African online media to advance Russia’s strategic interests—including anti-French and anti-Ukrainian narratives—through coordinated disinformation efforts.
644 Propaganda Articles Published in 35 Media Outlets Over Six Months
The Continent, a Pan-African media platform, obtained and analyzed the documents through a consortium led by FRANCE 24 and Forbidden Stories. These materials belong to a Russian entity called Africa Politology—referred to internally as “the Company”—originally established by the Wagner Group and transferred to Russian intelligence services in 2023.
Data indicates the Company orchestrated 644 propaganda or disinformation articles in 35 media outlets across Central and West Africa between June and November 2024, at a cost exceeding $300,000.
FRANCE 24’s investigation traced the influence operation’s infrastructure in Senegal, revealing a system where articles are ordered and delivered “ready-to-publish” to local intermediaries. Published research highlights the financial vulnerability of African media, driven by ad revenue dependencies and content demand.
Among those identified was Cameroonian journalist Jérôme Ebossama, who declined comment about his alleged role in 18 articles listed in the Company’s files. He disputed the authenticity of Africa Confidential’s documents, claiming they were fabricated and that he was a target of manipulation.
Report by Nathan Gallo and Derek Thomson, with footage by Aminatou Diallo.
