The French government has expressed concern over Russia's GlobUs entity, which aims to spread disinformation in Africa. According to French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, GlobUs is part of Russia's efforts to manipulate public opinion in sovereign states and undermine French interests. This comes after a report by Viginum 2026 revealed GlobUs's role in spreading disinformation in Africa.
GlobUs is a new entity established by Russia as part of its propaganda restructuring efforts in 2023. Led by Youlia Berg and Andreï Gromov, GlobUs has been conducting influence operations in Russia, Europe, and Africa for several years. The entity has created a network of pro-Russian opinion leaders who spread anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western narratives in various media outlets and online platforms.
GlobUs has diversified its actions to include digital influence operations, public diplomacy strategies, and physical influence activities. The entity employs "polit-technologists," who are professionals in communication and influence, similar to spin doctors in the Anglo-Saxon world. Their role is to create narratives for manipulating public opinion, design methods for influencing opinions, and provide communication strategies for countering dissenting voices.
GlobUs has chosen the Republic of Congo and Cameroon as its initial focus points in Africa. Both countries are significant in the francophone region, with substantial mineral and natural resources, and ongoing debates about colonial-era issues. In the Republic of Congo, GlobUs has conducted various influence operations, including organizing exhibitions, spreading pro-Russian content, and creating educational programs to influence local youth.
In Cameroon, GlobUs has supported existing media platforms and created new ones, such as Afrique Média TV, For You Media Africa, and Panafrican Media TV. These channels feature pro-Russian activists, Russian communicators, and some Cameroonian politicians. However, their impact on crucial elections has been minimal, according to the Viginum report.
Despite GlobUs's efforts, the report questions the entity's actual effectiveness in influencing target populations. While politologists often claim success, there is a need for in-depth studies on the impact of GlobUs's activities to avoid overstating Russia's influence. The report cautions against reinforcing the perception of an all-powerful Russia that can project its influence across various fields.
The emergence of GlobUs highlights Russia's ongoing efforts to expand its influence in Africa through disinformation and propaganda. As the entity continues to operate in the region, its impact and effectiveness will be closely monitored by governments and analysts. The French government's concerns about GlobUs's activities underscore the need for vigilance in the face of foreign influence operations.
Key points
- GlobUs is a Russian entity established to spread disinformation and influence public opinion in Africa.
- The entity has chosen the Republic of Congo and Cameroon as its initial focus points in Africa.
- The effectiveness of GlobUs's strategies in influencing target populations remains uncertain.
