Kremlin Opens Language Schools in Africa—But They Teach Propaganda, Not Russian

Russia has recently intensified its information operations across Africa, with growing attention in the Russian–African media sphere to the deployment of the African Corps in the Central African Republic, as reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service on December 15.

According to the agency, Cairo hosted an inaugural meeting of the Pan-African Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature.

The gathering served multiple purposes, including the launch of the new organization, the setting of its main areas of work, and a roundtable discussion on managing initiatives aimed at expanding the use of the Russian language in Africa.

The event took place against the backdrop of increased Russian information activity on the continent. In September 2023, Moscow launched the so-called African Initiative, an information agency built on networks that remained after the dismantling of the Wagner mercenary group.

The organization rapidly opened offices in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, countries currently governed by regimes aligned with Moscow. It is led by FSB officer Artem Kureyev, with former Wagner press officer Anna Zamaraeva serving as his deputy.

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Its activities focus on training local journalists, recruiting Africans to study in Russia, providing informational support for Russian arms exports, and promoting the African Corps.

At the same time, St. Petersburg State University is stepping up cooperation with African partners. During the conference, the university announced plans to create a professional infrastructure for teachers of the Russian language.

Earlier, Ukrainian military intelligence is reported to have penetrated secure Russian military communication terminals both on the front lines in Ukraine and in Africa.

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