Russian Orthodox Church Expands Activities in Africa – CCD

This was reported in a post by the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine on Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform.

“Russia is significantly increasing the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa. In the three years of the existence of the Russian Orthodox Church Exarchate on the continent, parishes were founded in 30 countries, half of which appeared only in 2022. This indicates that the increasing activity of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa is directly related to Russia's attempts to find more allies after the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” the statement from the Central Committee of the Church of the Russian Orthodox Church says.

Read also: Russia is waging an information war against the EU, promoting the narrative of “historical territories” – CCD

The center explained that under the pretext of “protecting Orthodox Christians in Africa,” Russia is spreading its influence and propaganda across the continent. For example, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church assure local residents that Russia allegedly has no historical ties to colonialism, racism, or the slave trade — issues that are sensitive for African countries.

However, this is not true, as Russia's history of serfdom and its colonial wars in the Caucasus, Asia and the Middle East suggest otherwise, the anti-disinformation group said.

The CDC emphasized that the ROC is a powerful tool for promoting the ideology of the “Russian world” and complements Russia's military presence on the continent. Its goal is to strengthen support for Russia's actions in the international arena.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, previously noted that Russia is using politicians loyal to it in the European Union to promote the idea that Ukraine is an “artificial state,” trying to sow discord within the EU.