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Russia Launches Platform to Turn African University Alumni Into “Agent Base” for Propaganda Push
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Russia is reportedly moving to consolidate its influence among African university graduates who studied in Russia. This effort involves the creation of a single, unified platform designed to coordinate their activities.
According to Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) on October 23, the primary goal is to leverage this network to promote the Russian language and cultivate a positive image of the Russian Federation across the African continent.
The proposal was initially discussed during a conference titled “Russian language — the basis of integration dialogue in the CIS ” and subsequently disseminated via a sanctioned resource known for its focus on Russian propaganda and influence operations in Africa.
As reported by the CCD, the platform is seen as a way for the Kremlin to institutionally solidify its educational influence.
By creating this structure, Russia seeks to essentially transform these graduates into a network of cultural and political influence—an “agent base”—capable of advancing pro-Russian ideas and cultivating loyal, Russia-friendly elites within African nations.
The CCD highlights that the Kremlin has a long-standing practice of using foreign education as a tool of “soft power.” This new platform would formalize that practice, ensuring continuous oversight and engagement of the graduates to serve Russia's foreign policy interests.
Earlier, it was reported that Russia will expand the number of state-funded university slots available to foreign students from Africa and North Korea. Additionally, Moscow has indicated its willingness to offer free places to students from Afghanistan, pending approval from the Taliban regime.
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