Russian cartoon propaganda linked to paramilitary Wagner group is spreading in Africa

ISD Research Coordinator Zoé Fourel features in an article for French international news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) discussing cartoon videos part of a Russian propaganda operation targeting francophone African audiences. Over the years, the cartoons have been linked to the “Prigozhin galaxy,” referring to the network of projects and enterprises (as well as natural resource exploitation, cultural and informational influence) tied to Russian entrepreneur and close Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin. The latest cartoons have had a specific focus on Mali and Central African Republic (CAR), and have included anti-French messaging while promoting the intervention of the Russian paramilitary Wagner group (in Francophone countries). Prigozhin founded the Mercenary Organisation.

During the interview, Zoé spoke about ISD’s work on Facebook and provided further context on Wagner and the “Prigozhin galaxy.”

The article is available in French on AFP.