Russian-backed journalism courses spark influence concerns in Mali
The French newspaper "Le Monde" reports on journalism courses in Mali, conducted by the organization African Initiative, which, according to the newspaper, is backed by Russian intelligence services. This represents another example of Moscow's efforts to strengthen its influence in Africa.
3:34 PM EST, November 25, 2024
According to "Le Monde," in July this year, African Initiative started free online journalism courses in Mali, conducted in French by Mikhail Pozdniakov. From approximately 60 participants, six will be selected to become correspondents for the organization.
The French newspaper emphasizes that African Initiative, which describes itself as a "news agency," is actually a project supported by Russian intelligence services. After the death of the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in August 2023, this organization was tasked by the Russian Ministry of Defense with developing a propaganda network in Africa, initiated by the Wagner Group.
"Le Monde," in cooperation with investigative journalists from "Forbidden Stories," obtained the contents of lectures consisting of eight video modules. In these, Pozdniakov states that the internet has become "an alternative battlefield where the war is waged not by regular armies but by journalists, specialists in information campaigns, political technology experts, and opinion leaders."
African Initiative, as noted by "Le Monde," has offices in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger and is also seeking local correspondents in other African countries. In recent months, dozens of journalists from Africa have been invited to study visits in Russia.
Expert Maxime Audinet from IRSEM (a think tank of the French Ministry of Defense) compares these activities to a "laundering of information" mechanism.
"Moscow, while spreading content directly through its own channels, also uses local relays (journalists) whom it trains and who will be seen by African audiences as much more credible," the expert said.
