“Russian Houses” in Africa — a cover for russia’s hybrid presence
The President of the Central African Republic (CAR), Faustin-Archange Touadéra, awarded 18 russian “instructors,” thanking them for “peace and security” in the country. The ceremony was attended by russia’s ambassador to the CAR, aleksandr bikantov, and the head of the “russian house” in Bangui, dmitry sityi.
▫️ russia officially calls these individuals “military advisers” or “instructors,” but in reality, they are representatives of the wagner PMC or its successor structures.
▫️ Such events demonstrate that russia systematically uses African countries as a platform to expand its political and military influence under the guise of “friendship” and “cultural ties.” The kremlin promotes the narrative of a “grateful Africa,” trying to portray itself as a “protector,” while in fact exploiting the continent’s resources and spreading propaganda.
The presence of the head of the “russian house” alongside the military once again proves that these centers are part of russia’s information and military apparatus — not hubs of “cultural diplomacy,” as the kremlin tries to present them.
The Center also covered dmitry sityi’s activities in its analytical report “russian agents of influence in Africa”. He is one of the key figures behind russian information campaigns on the continent.
