MOSCOW, Oct 22 (IPS) – At a recent press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized US support for education programs, media and NGOs in Africa. Zakharova argued that these efforts were part of a broader attempt by the United States to impose Western values and models of governance on sovereign African states and characterize them as a form of neocolonialism.
Zakharova’s remarks, published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, suggest that the United States is actively promoting anti-Russian sentiment in African media. “We see this as an attempt by Washington to undermine the socio-political environment favorable to Russia in the region and to portray us as a destabilizing force,” she said. These unfair methods of competition and misinformation highlight the lack of evidence behind so-called Russian propaganda. .”
But while Russia criticizes Western influence on African media, Africa faces serious media problems. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has done little to encourage African media, especially sub-Saharan African media, to enter the country. Conversely, Russian media outlets such as RIA Novosti, Sputnik News and TASS News Agency have minimal influence in Africa compared to Western media giants.
Despite recent efforts by the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, to increase the presence of Russian media in Africa, the lack of opportunities for African media in Russia remains a stark reality. At a conference on improving Russia-Africa relations, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin acknowledged that the Russian media needs to have a stronger presence in Africa, even though its influence lags far behind that of the United States, Britain and Germany.
Experts argue that this lack of mutual media representation worsens misunderstandings between Russia and Africa. As a result, African leaders and businesses often rely on Western media for information about Russia, which often leads to one-sided views that reflect Western bias.
Interestingly, although the Russian Foreign Ministry certifies media around the world, there are currently only two recognized African media outlets: North Africa. This low representation does not reflect the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Russia and Africa.
At the first and second Russia-Africa summits, panelists repeatedly emphasized the dominance of Western media in Africa and its impact on African perceptions of Russia. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov pointed out that the absence of Russian media in Africa creates a vacuum that is filled by biased reporting by other media outlets.
Professor Alexey Vasiliev, an expert on African-Russian relations, pointed out that Africa’s dependence on Western media has led to a distorted understanding of Russia, perpetuating narratives of Russophobia and anti-Russian propaganda. He emphasized the need for better communication and understanding between the two regions.
Some experts also criticize Russia’s reluctance to engage with sub-Saharan African media. Despite two Russia-Africa summits aimed at strengthening relations, little progress has been made in promoting media cooperation.
The reality is that both Russia and Africa need to deepen media engagement to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation. As Africa’s middle class continues to grow and represents a vibrant information market, the need for balanced and comprehensive media coverage of both sides is becoming increasingly important.
Professor Vladimir Shubin, former deputy director of the Institute for African Studies, emphasized the importance of media in maintaining and strengthening Russia-Africa relations. He called on both regions to actively promote their achievements and development needs through the media to foster better understanding and stronger partnerships.
To overcome these challenges, Russia and Africa must take concrete steps to build a more cooperative media environment. This includes creating opportunities for African journalists in Russia and expanding the presence of Russian media in Africa.
Relations between Russia and Africa, which are deeply rooted in history, should be further strengthened through expanded media cooperation. This will not only improve understanding between the regions, but also support the broader goal of developing dynamic, multifaceted partnerships, especially in an emerging multipolar world.
Kester Ken Clomega The current focus is on issues related to geopolitical changes, foreign relations, and economic development in Africa with external countries. Many of his well-sourced articles have been reprinted in several reputable foreign media.
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