A recent report by the French service VIGINUM has shed light on the activities of GlobUs, a Russian influence network operating in Africa. According to the report, GlobUs was created in 2022 and is directed by two Russian nationals, Youlia Berg and Andreï Gromov, who have a background in influence operations and information warfare. The network is believed to be a front for Russian influence operations in Africa, particularly in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.
GlobUs presents itself as an international club of experts, but VIGINUM describes it as a platform for spreading pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives. The network uses various methods, including organizing debates in pan-African media, participating in meetings with Russian political personalities, and developing local initiatives in targeted countries. Its online presence has strengthened since the death of Evgueni Prigojine, a former patron of the Wagner group, in August 2023.
The report highlights that GlobUs has used several African media outlets to disseminate its messages, including Afrique Média TV, a Cameroonian channel founded in 2011. Several members of the GlobUs network and former officials of the AFRIC, a now-defunct influence structure linked to Prigojine, have appeared on the channel's programs. These programs often promoted pro-Russian and anti-Western views.
In addition to its media activities, GlobUs has also been involved in initiatives on the ground, particularly in the Republic of Congo. In August 2025, the network organized a photographic exhibition in Brazzaville, titled "Global Transformation: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow," in the presence of the Russian ambassador to the country. The event promoted Russian relations with Brazzaville and relayed Russian narratives on the conflict in Ukraine.
GlobUs has also launched a socio-economic study in the Republic of Congo, training dozens of young Congolese in survey methodology. The study aimed to identify population needs and facilitate project planning, but VIGINUM believes it was also used to gather information on local audiences and their expectations. Furthermore, GlobUs established a "Media School" in Brazzaville, which provided training in content production, viral video creation, and social media algorithms.
The Media School was used as a recruitment ground for a local youth movement called "Avenir du Congo," which was launched in late 2025. The movement presents itself as a community of young people seeking to contribute to the development of their country. According to VIGINUM, several former students of the Media School joined the movement and are responsible for managing its social media and web TV.
VIGINUM's report concludes that GlobUs's activities in Africa are a significant concern, as they aim to spread pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives through various channels. The network's influence operations have been detected in several African countries, including Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.
Key points
- GlobUs, a Russian influence network, operates in Africa spreading pro-Russian narratives through media and youth initiatives.
- The network uses various methods, including media outreach, events, and youth initiatives, to promote Russian interests in Africa.
- VIGINUM's report highlights the need for vigilance against foreign influence operations in Africa.
