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Russia is increasingly conducting brainwashing attacks in Africa

Daniel Schaer, Estonia’s ambassador to Kenya and South Africa, categorizes disinformation campaigns based on his experience: “Campaigns that oppose all of the West to Africa, attacking Europe’s colonial history, and disinformation campaigns targeted at specific countries, such as anti-‘neo-colonialism’ campaigns conducted in South Africa.” In Africa, there is a strong correlation between the spread of disinformation and societal instability. Disinformation campaigns have caused deadly violence, facilitated and justified military coups, intimidated civil society leaders, and provided cover for corruption and the exploitation of people.

Disinformation campaigns have caused deadly violence, facilitated and justified military coups, intimidated civil society leaders, and provided cover for corruption and the exploitation of people. Ambassador Daniel Schaer provides an example of the personal presence of Russian information war leaders in Africa: “When we were with a business delegation in Namibia, the director-general of TASS, who was on a visit, stayed at the same hotel.” “Russia and China are the leading funders of extensive disinformation campaigns to advance their geostrategic interests and shape narratives that undermine democratic processes, promote coups in Africa, and incite anti-Western and anti-UN sentiments.

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