Russia uses cyber attacks to gain advantage in African information war
A Russian teen has created an online video game aimed at turning Africans against the United States and its allies.
JOHANNESBURG—The virtual setting transports players to the streets of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, where two opposing forces, the “Patriotic Movement for Salvation and Reconstruction” led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, attempt to overthrow President Paul-Henri Damiba, whom they accuse of being a puppet of the U.S. and France.
With sophisticated animation and graphics, the game tasks players with destroying anything displaying American or French symbols in exchange for Russian support.
The game culminates in celebrations for the “victory of the Pan-Africanists” and the establishment of the Sahel Confederation with Russian aid.
Karen Allen, an expert at South Africa’s Institute for Security Studies, describes the game, called “African Dawn,” as a tool for Moscow to manipulate African sentiments against the West.
Using misinformation and disinformation tactics, Russia aims to influence Africans against Western powers in a bid to secure access to the continent’s rich mineral resources.
The game traces its origins to the African Initiative website, funded by the Kremlin and led by a former Wagner Group member, Artem Kureev.
This gaming trend represents Russia’s attempt at projecting influence in Africa through non-traditional means such as online gaming.
Through “African Dawn,” the Russian teenager aims to depict the plight of African countries and highlight Russia as a supportive partner in the region.
The game’s messaging seeks to foster sympathy toward Russian allies while demonizing Western powers, portraying them as colonial exploiters.
As internet and gaming usage grows among African youth, the reach and impact of such games like “African Dawn” are expected to increase significantly.
With Africa emerging as the fastest-growing market for online games, these initiatives by Russia highlight its ambitions to influence young minds in the region through interactive media.
In essence, “African Dawn” symbolizes Russia’s intent to leverage gaming as a medium of soft power in shaping geopolitical narratives among African youth.
