A recent French report has accused a Russian network, Globus, of manipulating information and interfering in African politics on behalf of Russia. The report, released by the French agency Viginum, claims that Globus operates primarily in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, presenting itself as an international expert network. However, it allegedly uses a strategy of information laundering through various media platforms, with its officials believed to be close to Russian interests.
According to Viginum, Globus was created shortly after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022 and has been organizing and participating in roundtable discussions with entities linked to the Russian state, particularly the State Duma. The network is managed by business leaders Yulia Berg and Andrey Gromov, who have been leading influence operations in Russia, Europe, and Africa for several years. Viginum has identified over 75,000 subscribers to Globus's three Telegram channels and various social media accounts.
The French agency has observed increased involvement from Globus members in Brazzaville since August 2025, ahead of the March 2026 presidential elections. Viginum suspects that Globus may have received attention from the Russian government and intelligence agencies to facilitate influence and intervention operations in Africa. However, the agency notes that Globus's impact on the population is limited, with a website available in Russian, English, and French, and a presence on various social media platforms.
In response to the report, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that he would call for European sanctions against those responsible for the interference, particularly targeting Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. Barrot considered the Viginum report to provide "damning evidence" of Russia's efforts to manipulate public opinion in sovereign countries, aiming to harm French interests.
The report was released on the eve of the third Russian-African summit, which began in Moscow with the participation of 48 African countries, including 22 represented by heads of state and leaders of 10 regional organizations. The summit also drew around 4,000 businessmen. Russia has been strengthening its presence in the African Sahel region, which is traditionally a French sphere of influence, capitalizing on strained French relations with several African countries following a series of military coups.
The French report highlights the activities of Globus, which allegedly aims to link individuals who regularly publish pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives, including journalists, social media activists, lawyers, and political analysts. Viginum was established in 2021 to monitor and counter foreign influence operations. The agency's findings suggest that Globus is part of a broader Russian effort to exert influence in Africa.
There has been no official comment from Russia on the French report. The allegations against Globus and Russia's expanding presence in Africa are likely to be discussed during the Russian-African summit. The summit provides a platform for Russia to engage with African leaders and promote its interests on the continent.
Key points
- France accuses Russian network Globus of manipulating information and interfering in African politics.
- Globus operates primarily in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, presenting itself as an international expert network.
- The French report was released ahead of the third Russian-African summit in Moscow.
