Mr Cherniak warned that Russian intelligence services are increasingly using disinformation and AI-generated content to fuel instability and advance Kremlin interests in at least 22 African countries.

He noted that Africa consists of more than 50 UN member states, which Russia sees as a large "bank of votes." With its help, the Kremlin can create a so-called opposition bloc on the international stage and the illusion that Russia remains an influential global power, as well as promote the narrative of a so-called "multipolar world."

In addition, Russia gains access to valuable natural resources such as gold, diamonds, uranium, and oil. In particular, the Kremlin is interested in the resource-rich Sahel region.

"When Russians gain access to African deposits of valuable materials, however, they behave like colonial exploiters in the worst sense of the term. This often ends in environmental disaster," Cherniak emphasized.