The bear and the bot farm: Countering Russian hybrid warfare in Africa

The European Council on Foreign Relations report from 22 October 2025 details Russia’s expanding hybrid warfare strategies in Africa, combining military deployments, proxy mercenary groups like Wagner and the Africa Corps, covert propaganda campaigns under the Africa Initiative, and economic exploitation to destabilize governments and expand Kremlin influence. Russia has a significant presence across key regions including the Sahel (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso), Central Africa (CAR, Chad), and Libya, utilizing bases such as al-Khadim airbase in Libya for power projection. The report highlights atrocities committed by Wagner forces in Mali, including massacres, torture, and collaboration with local forces, severely undermining security and governance. Propaganda operations use AI-generated media to promote pro-Russian narratives, exploiting African anti-Western sentiment and complicity from uncritical Western outlets. Political efforts include attempts to divide West African alliances and cement client regimes favorable to Moscow. The report exhorts European and African actors to coordinate sanctions, support independent media, provide military aid, and counter Russian disinformation to mitigate Kremlin’s destabilizing influence in Africa.