This was stated in an interview with Kyiv Post by Andrii Cherniak, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR), Ukrinform reports.

"The number of Russian information operations in African countries has grown significantly. In at least 22 countries, Russian special services run a conveyor belt of fake news that reaches millions of people, incites violence, supports and legitimizes military coups, and intimidates representatives of civil society who resist Russian interference," Cherniak said.

According to him, to conceal their criminal intentions in Africa, Russians are also creating imitation pan-African structures that present themselves as "independent civil society organizations." These include the "Pan-African Partnership for Economic Development with Russia-Africa" (PARADE) and the "Pan-African Group on Trade and Investment" (GPCI).

"Thus, in the process of expanding Kremlin influence in Africa, a key role is played by Russian special services operating under the cover of Russian embassies and diplomatic missions, as well as organizations under their control, in particular Rossotrudnichestvo, the network of so-called 'Russian Houses,' the aforementioned 'African Corps,' and the affiliated media outlet African Initiative," Cherniak added.

As reported by Ukrinform, Russia is waging a covert war for Africans' minds, deploying a hybrid network of so-called "Russian Houses" to strengthen its influence on the African continent.

Photo: Gemini