Russia's new 'cultural center' in Africa exposed as army recruitment office
African mercenaries of the Russian army have already been captured in Ukraine (Photo: Getty Images)
Rossotrudnichestvo, together with the Eurasia ANO, has opened a new "Russkii Dom" (Russian House) in the Republic of Togo. The project is positioned as humanitarian, but behind the cultural diplomacy lie the Kremlin's strategic goals — the dissemination of disinformation and recruitment into the ranks of the Russian army, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Pilot project for an entire network
The new center in Togo is positioned as a pilot one — Moscow plans to deploy a similar network of institutions worldwide. Currently, 24 "Russian Houses" are already operating in Africa.
Officially, these institutions are engaged in teaching the Russian language and culture. However, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation, their real function is to create the illusion of a shared historical experience with African countries by exploiting anti-colonial rhetoric.
Disinformation and anti-Western narratives
"Russian Houses" are a key hub for spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine. Through them, Russia promotes narratives about traditional values and discredits Western countries on the continent.
Recruitment under the guise of internships
Experience from other African countries shows that such institutions often turn into recruitment centers for local citizens to join the Russian army. The scheme operates under the guise of employment or internships.
Russia is systematically increasing its presence in Africa, using soft power as a tool of geopolitical influence.
At the same time, Moscow has stepped up the recruitment of foreigners to participate in the war against Ukraine. On April 23, a group of Kenyan citizens whom Russia had recruited for combat operations was eliminated in the Kharkiv region.
Earlier, it was reported that Russia had recruited over a thousand Kenyans using tourist visas and promises of high salaries.
In the Donetsk region, a mercenary from the Philippines was also eliminated.
Ten Indian citizens have died fighting as part of the Russian armed forces — the Indian government informed the country's Supreme Court of this.
Currently, India is investigating the cases of individuals who were forced to fight in Ukraine. Russia has intensified recruitment of citizens from African and Latin American countries.
