Kremlin Language Schools in Africa Teach Propaganda Over Russian, Critics Say

Russia Expands Media Influence Across Africa with Language Programs and Information Networks

Russia has significantly ramped up its information operations throughout Africa, with Ukrainian intelligence reporting increased attention on Russian military deployments in the Central African Republic. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, these efforts represent part of a broader strategic push to expand Moscow’s influence across the continent.

In a notable development on December 15, Cairo hosted the inaugural meeting of the Pan-African Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature. This gathering served multiple strategic purposes beyond simple academic coordination, including establishing the organization’s operational framework and conducting roundtable discussions on initiatives aimed at expanding Russian language usage throughout Africa.

This linguistic outreach comes amid what analysts describe as a coordinated Russian information campaign on the continent. In September 2023, Moscow launched the “African Initiative,” an information agency built upon networks that remained after the restructuring of the controversial Wagner mercenary group. The initiative rapidly established operational offices in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—all countries currently governed by regimes with close ties to Moscow.

“The establishment of Russian language instruction networks across Africa represents a soft power approach that complements more direct military and political engagements,” said Dr. Elena Korosteleva, professor of International Relations at the University of Kent, in an interview with regional media outlets. “Language serves as a cultural bridge that facilitates deeper relationships and influence.”

Leadership of the African Initiative reveals its connections to Russian security services. FSB officer Artem Kureyev heads the organization, with former Wagner press officer Anna Zamaraeva serving as his deputy. Their operational focus includes training local journalists, recruiting African students for Russian universities, providing informational support for Russian arms exports, and promoting the recently formed African Corps, which has replaced Wagner in several regional operations.

St. Petersburg State University has simultaneously intensified its cooperation with African educational partners. During the Cairo conference, university representatives announced plans to create a professional infrastructure for teachers of Russian language throughout the continent, which would standardize curricula and teaching methodologies.

The expanded language program coincides with growing Russian military presence in several African nations. The deployment of the African Corps in the Central African Republic has received particular attention in Russian-African media circles, according to Ukrainian intelligence sources. This military group effectively serves as the successor to Wagner Group operations, which maintained significant influence in several resource-rich African states.

Regional security experts note that Russia’s approach in Africa combines military support, resource extraction agreements, and information operations to establish influence in countries where Western nations have scaled back engagement. The strategy appears particularly effective in nations that have experienced recent coups or political instability.

“Russia has identified a vacuum in parts of Africa where traditional Western powers have reduced their footprint,” said Jean-Paul Micomyiza, a security analyst based in Kigali. “By offering military training, weapons, and political support without governance conditions, they’ve found receptive partners among new regimes seeking legitimacy and security guarantees.”

Ukrainian intelligence also reported having penetrated secure Russian military communication terminals both in Ukraine and Africa, potentially compromising operational security of Russian military activities on both fronts.

The intensification of Russia’s Africa strategy comes as Western nations have increasingly focused on the Indo-Pacific region, creating opportunities for Moscow to expand influence in regions where its presence had diminished following the Soviet collapse. Analysts suggest this renewed engagement reflects Russia’s efforts to build a multipolar international system less dominated by Western institutions and alliances.