Russia has been increasing its propaganda efforts across Africa, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. The Russian state information agency TASS and the news outlet RT are central to these operations. As of mid-July 2025, RT broadcasts in over 40 African countries in six different languages. Recently, the channel began producing content in Portuguese for Mozambique and Angola, with plans to start broadcasting in Amharic for Ethiopia by the end of the year.

Ukrainian intelligence highlighted that Russian propaganda poses a global threat aimed at expanding Russia's territorial and cultural influence. Over the past two years, RT has doubled its partnerships with African TV channels from 30 to 60 and has trained more than a thousand local journalists according to Russian standards. Full-time training programs have started in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, with intentions to expand these initiatives into other countries.

Additionally, TASS is looking to enhance its presence by opening correspondent bureaus in several African nations including Ethiopia and Senegal. The recruitment of personnel for these bureaus is reportedly under the control of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Concerns have also been raised regarding potential human trafficking linked to a work-study program that sends African women to Russia for employment, particularly related to military production. Reports indicate that Russian companies have recruited hundreds of young women from over 40 African countries for work in factories producing military drones.

In academic circles within Africa, there appears to be growing support for Russian narratives amid ongoing discussions about Russia's war against Ukraine.

Original article

This article doesn't give you a clear plan or steps to take, so it's not very helpful for doing something right now. It's more like a story that tells you about what's happening with Russia and some African countries. It talks about how Russia is trying to influence people in Africa with its news and stories, and how some people are worried about this. It also mentions a program that sends African women to Russia for work, but it doesn't tell you what to do about it. The article doesn't teach you a lot of new things, but it does give some interesting facts and numbers. It might be useful for people who want to know more about what's going on in the world, but it doesn't really help you with your own life or tell you how to make a difference. It's more like a report that tells you about a problem, but it doesn't give you a solution or a way to fix it. It's not very practical, and it might make you feel a bit worried, but it doesn't really help you feel better or do something good. It's not an advertisement, but it also doesn't give you a clear way to help or make a change.

The expansion of Russian propaganda and recruitment efforts in Africa poses a significant threat to the strength and survival of local families, clans, and communities. By spreading influence through media outlets like RT and TASS, Russia is potentially eroding the trust and responsibility within kinship bonds, as well as undermining the stewardship of the land.

The recruitment of local journalists and the training of personnel according to Russian standards may lead to a loss of autonomy and cultural identity among African communities. This could result in a diminished sense of personal duty and responsibility among community members, as they become more reliant on external influences.

Furthermore, the potential human trafficking linked to the work-study program that sends African women to Russia for employment is a grave concern. This exploitation undermines the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly women, and threatens the integrity of family structures. The fact that hundreds of young women from over 40 African countries have been recruited for work in factories producing military drones raises serious questions about the safety and well-being of these individuals.

The growing support for Russian narratives in academic circles within Africa is also troubling, as it may indicate a shift away from traditional values and towards external ideologies. This could lead to a breakdown in community cohesion and a loss of cultural heritage.

If these efforts continue unchecked, the consequences for African families, children, and communities will be severe. The erosion of trust and responsibility within kinship bonds will lead to a decline in social cohesion, making it more challenging for communities to protect their vulnerable members and care for their elders. The exploitation of African women and the potential human trafficking will have long-term consequences for family structures and community stability.

Ultimately, the spread of Russian propaganda and recruitment efforts in Africa will undermine the ancestral principles that have kept human peoples alive: the protection of kin, the care and preservation of resources, the peaceful resolution of conflict, the defense of the vulnerable, and the upholding of clear personal duties that bind the clan together. It is essential for African communities to prioritize their own cultural identity, autonomy, and traditional values to ensure their survival and prosperity.

In conclusion, if these trends continue unchecked, we can expect to see a decline in family cohesion, an increase in exploitation and human trafficking, and a loss of cultural heritage among African communities. The consequences will be felt for generations to come, threatening the very survival of these communities. It is crucial for community leaders to take action to protect their people, preserve their cultural identity, and uphold their ancestral duties to ensure a bright future for their children and elders.

"The Russian state information agency TASS and the news outlet RT are central to these operations."

This sentence uses the word "central" to emphasize the importance and power of Russian state media. It suggests that these agencies are at the heart of Russia's propaganda efforts, giving them a dominant role. The use of "central" here is a strong word that highlights Russia's control and influence.

"Ukrainian intelligence highlighted that Russian propaganda poses a global threat aimed at expanding Russia's territorial and cultural influence."

The phrase "global threat" is a powerful and emotional statement. It suggests that Russia's propaganda is a dangerous force with far-reaching consequences. This language evokes fear and emphasizes the potential impact on a worldwide scale.

"Over the past two years, RT has doubled its partnerships with African TV channels from 30 to 60 and has trained more than a thousand local journalists according to Russian standards."

By stating that RT has "trained" local journalists, this sentence implies a sense of control and influence over African media. It suggests that RT is shaping the narrative and standards of journalism in these countries. The use of "trained" here has a subtle authoritative tone.

"Additionally, TASS is looking to enhance its presence by opening correspondent bureaus in several African nations including Ethiopia and Senegal."

The phrase "enhance its presence" is a subtle way of describing an expansion of Russian influence. It presents this move as a positive action, making it seem like a natural and beneficial step. This language downplays the potential impact and control that TASS may gain.

"Reports indicate that Russian companies have recruited hundreds of young women from over 40 African countries for work in factories producing military drones."

This sentence raises concerns about human trafficking and exploitation. By using the word "recruited," it suggests a voluntary process, but the context of military production and the large number of women involved hints at potential coercion. The language here is misleading, as it doesn't fully capture the potential gravity of the situation.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily conveying a sense of concern and unease. The mention of Russia's increasing propaganda efforts in Africa, with the involvement of state-backed media outlets like TASS and RT, hints at a hidden agenda and a potential threat to global stability. This concern is further amplified by the revelation that Russian propaganda aims to expand Russia's influence, both territorially and culturally.

The text also expresses a sense of alarm regarding the rapid expansion of RT's partnerships and training programs in Africa. The doubling of partnerships and the training of local journalists according to Russian standards suggest a deliberate and strategic move, which could potentially shape public opinion and influence political landscapes. The mention of full-time training programs in Addis Ababa and the intention to expand these initiatives indicates a long-term commitment, adding to the sense of unease.

Another emotion that surfaces is fear, particularly regarding the potential human trafficking linked to the work-study program. The recruitment of African women for military production, especially in drone factories, raises serious ethical concerns and evokes a strong emotional response. The fear is heightened by the involvement of the FSB in personnel recruitment, suggesting a level of state control and potential coercion.

The text also hints at a sense of frustration and worry about the growing support for Russian narratives in African academic circles. This support, in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, could potentially impact international relations and shape public opinion in favor of Russia's agenda.

The writer uses emotional language to emphasize the gravity of the situation and to persuade the reader to take the issue seriously. Words like "threat," "concern," and "potential" are used to convey a sense of urgency and to highlight the possible consequences of Russia's actions. The repetition of the word "propaganda" and the emphasis on its global reach and impact serve to reinforce the idea that this is not an isolated incident but a coordinated strategy with far-reaching implications.

The text also employs a comparative strategy, contrasting Russia's aggressive expansion with the potential vulnerability of African nations. This comparison is designed to evoke sympathy for the African countries and to position Russia as a potential aggressor. By highlighting the recruitment of African women for military production, the writer aims to stir emotions and create a sense of outrage, which could potentially motivate readers to take action or advocate for change.

In summary, the text employs a range of emotional tactics to guide the reader's reaction, from concern and alarm about Russia's propaganda efforts to fear and frustration over potential human rights abuses and the growing support for Russian narratives. These emotions are carefully woven into the narrative to persuade the reader to view Russia's actions in Africa as a serious and complex issue that requires attention and potentially, intervention.