Russian authorities are actively spreading their propaganda in African countries via "russian Houses", with six more such establishments recently opened. This was reported by Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) on Telegram on September 17.
"The kremlin is actively spreading its propaganda in Global South countries, focusing much of its efforts on Africa. Recently, the head of 'Rossotrudnichestvo' Yevgeny Primakov signed agreements to open six more so-called 'russian Houses' in African countries. These include Somalia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea. The 'russian House' network now covers 15 countries, most of which are in Africa. These include Algeria, Bolivia, Mali, Niger, the UAE, Sudan, and others", - the message stated.
It is noted that russian authorities present "russian Houses" as cultural centers promoting russian culture and language studies. However, as the CCD points out, these "cultural centers" and other "Rossotrudnichestvo" projects are merely fronts for russian information operations and the promotion of russian propaganda in other countries.
"The goal of creating such centers is to justify russia’s war against Ukraine, expand russian influence, and propagate hatred toward the West and democratic values among residents of Global South countries", - writes the CCD.
The EU has imposed sanctions on the "Rossotrudnichestvo" agency.