Russia's mission to spread chaos and destruction far beyond Ukraine

By David Williamson, Chief Political Commentator

Putin's regime is intent on expanding its influence in Africa (Image: Getty)

Russia is waging a “misinformation” war in Africa with disastrous consequences, a former British security minister has warned. There is deep concern Russia is attempting to undermine western influence in a host of African nations, with attention now focusing on the Ivory Coast ahead of next month’s elections.

Tom Tugendhat warned: “Russia’s actions in the Great Lakes and sub-Saharan region have destabilised countries and overthrown governments. Their actions have left millions more vulnerable and seen people seek sanctuary in other areas. Today, their misinformation campaigns are making it impossible for people to trust their neighbours and undermining their democracy.”

Three military-led countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – have announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin over war crimes in Ukraine.

The three states have formed the Confederation of Sahel States and are accused of close ties with Russia.

Ivory Coast’s positive relations with western states is thought to have made it a target of Russian attacks. In May, false claims – backed up with fake videos - were circulated online of a coup in the west African country.

The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies reported last year that “Russia continues to be the primary purveyor of disinformation in Africa, sponsoring 80 documented campaigns, targeting more than 22 countries”.

Burkina Faso president Ibrahim Traore with Vladimir Putin in Moscow (Image: Getty)

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “Russia is undermining security and stability, political freedoms and good resource governance across the globe. In Africa they are damaging democracy through the use of disinformation and proxy media organisations.

“The UK takes targeted action where we believe it will be most effective. In July we sanctioned African Initiative, a social media content mill established and funded by Russia, and three individuals associated with it, due to their attempts to influence and deceive in the information space, including in Africa.”