Fake journalists spread anti-France propaganda in Africa

A recent investigation by Al Jazeera has revealed a propaganda campaign in West and Central Africa involving fake journalists who spread pro-Russian messages and anti-French sentiments. Many of these writers do not actually exist; they are using stolen identities to publish articles throughout the region. One prominent case is a man named Gregoire Cyrille Dongobada, who appeared to be a political expert but lacked any real background or presence in academic circles. His articles often criticized France's influence in Africa while praising the benefits of Russian involvement. Al Jazeera discovered that Dongobada’s online profile used a picture of a deceased teacher, Jean Claude Sendeoli, highlighting the deceptive nature of this campaign. The investigation found that many African media outlets are struggling financially and may publish paid articles to generate revenue. This has opened doors for fake journalists like Dongobada to present biased viewpoints while disguising their true origins. Al Jazeera identified over 15 similar writers and 200 articles that share this pro-Russian perspective. Experts suggest that these disinformation efforts are part of a larger trend where Russia seeks to gain influence in Africa, often by exploiting local discontent with former colonial powers like France. As Russian presence in the region grows, public sentiment against France has increased, leading to political changes, including coups in former French territories. The investigation also pointed to evidence of potential Russian involvement in these ghostwriting operations. Metadata from the articles indicated links to a person with ties to Russian propaganda efforts. While Al Jazeera sought responses from involved parties, many did not reply. Ultimately, this case highlights the complexities of influence in modern Africa and the shifting dynamics of international relationships.