Kremlin’s Renewed Interest

Past incidents of Russian online interference in elections are enough proof that Africa should not underestimate foreign interests in spreading disinformation.

Written by Tabitha Mwangi and Chimwemwe Fabiano

Jul 24, 2020

Past incidents of Russian online interference in elections are enough proof that Africa should not underestimate foreign interests in spreading disinformation. THE COMMONWEALTH / FLICKR.

As Africa faces renewed interest from global powers, online electoral interference is a new emerging security threat. In April 2020, American intelligence officials confirmed that Russia had interfered with the 2016 United States elections. It is, therefore, expected that Russia will continue or at least attempt to interfere with elections and public opinion abroad. Indeed, Russia has run covert disinformation campaigns in African countries to increase public disaffection with governments, opposition parties and other global powers, or to feed growing tension and conflict.

In March 2020, Facebook and Twitter reported that through collaboration with journalists, cyber security experts and law enforcement officers, they had detected and taken down social media accounts run by Russian troll farms operating in Ghana and Nigeria. Ultimately, African countries are facing the threat of cyber interference, not only in elections but also in the democratic sovereignty of electorates, which is arguably a contested norm in Russian politics and national security.

In the absence of concerted and proactive efforts by governments, the private sector and regional organizations, Africa is at risk of cyberwarfare orchestrated by Russian private and semi-state actors attendant to the Kremlin’s interests in Africa. Russia’s renewed interest in Africa is a curious matter and has significant geopolitical and security implications. Particularly because in the aftermath of the Cold War (1947-1991), while other players such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Turkey and the Gulf states cultivated close ties with African governments the Kremlin stayed away. Therefore, although some analysts have argued that Russia is late to the party and should not be seen as a major threat to Western interests on the African continent, it is unwise to underestimate Russia’s capability to pursue its own agenda. At the moment, Russia’s Africa strategy might not look robust and coordinated, but the continent must respond proactively and position itself strategically within the current global geopolitical framework.

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This story features in our print issue, 'Russia in the New Scramble for Africa'.

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About the Author

Tabitha Mwangi

is a peace and security researcher based in the Horn of Africa.

About the Author

Chimwemwe Fabiano

is a peace and security research fellow at the African Leadership Centre, King’s College London.

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Kremlin’s Renewed Interest