In recent years, the Sahel region has become a focal point for various information operations, particularly those linked to Russia. As geopolitical tensions rise, it is crucial to investigate how these operations shape narratives and influence local dynamics.

This Cafe featured Professor Stéphane Baele from UCLouvain, who presented his paper titled “Russian Information Operations in the Sahel Region.” This research provided a comprehensive typology of the actors involved in these operations, grounded in a systematic analysis of the digital behaviors and content from over 250 Facebook pages based in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger that maintain connections with the Kremlin.

The discussion, chaired by ReFrACT co-lead researcher, Emmanuel Klimis, was complemented by insights from Melissa Lakrib who is currently researching the impact of Wagner’s deployment on the nature of civil war in Northern Mali.

This event aimed to shed light on the complexities of information warfare in the Sahel and discussed the implications for regional stability and international engagement.