In Central African countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, and more recently in Niger, Russia is actively funding measures to promote the popularity of the Russian flag and other attributes among young people. This was reported by the New York Times.


Young people in these countries believe that Russia can help alleviate their economic situation, especially in Niger, which has been subject to sanctions by its West African neighbors since the coup in late July.


In these countries, the Russian flag has become a symbol of resistance associated with anti-Western and anti-French sentiment.


According to Kyle Walter, an expert on propaganda in Niger, Russian flags have become an attribute of the path that the countries of West and Central Africa are on.


Analysts and Western diplomats believe that the Russian government is funding the spread of its flag to influence West African capitals.


Ahmed Bello, president of the Parade civil organization in Nigeria, admitted that he receives funding from the Russian government through intermediaries and distributes Russian flags at protests in Niamey.


According to the publication, this group is a cover for Kremlin-backed operations on the continent and was created under the auspices of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Many young Africans see Russia as an anti-colonial power that can help them get rid of the colonial past.