Documents show Russia placed propaganda in African media outlets

Confidential documents reviewed by France24 show that Russian-linked actors placed hundreds of articles in African media outlets. The material was produced as part of covert operations traced to Dakar, Senegal. The documents describe three methods: direct interference, disinformation campaigns, and paid placement of articles.

In some cases, the outlets were unaware that the content originated from outside sources.

Methods described in the records The records indicate that articles were sometimes commissioned without the knowledge of the publishing outlets. France24's reporting links the operations to locations in Senegal. The same documents state that the content was disseminated through existing pages rather than new channels. No specific individuals or organizations are named in the available records.