russia expands the influence of the russian orthodox church in Africa to destabilize the continent
russia is rapidly expanding the influence of the russian orthodox church (roc) in Africa. In just three years of the roc exarchate’s activity on the continent, parishes have been established in 30 countries, with half of them opened in 2022. This suggests that the roc’s intensified efforts in Africa are directly tied to the kremlin’s need to gain more allies after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Under the guise of “protecting orthodox christians in Africa” russia is expanding its influence and spreading propaganda across the continent. The roc tells local populations that russia has no ties to colonialism, racism, or slavery—sensitive issues in Africa. However, this is a lie: the use of serfs and russia’s colonial wars in the Caucasus, Asia, and Europe prove otherwise.
As a powerful tool for promoting the ideology of the “russkiy mir,” the roc complements russia’s military presence in Africa and seeks to boost international support for russian actions on the global stage.
