U.S. Institute of Peace

24/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 24/07/2024 18:17

As Russia Builds Influence in Africa, its Church Takes a Role

Vladimir Putin's campaign to make the world safe for violent authoritarianism visibly exploits conflicts and bolsters military rule in Africa with mercenary armies, internet-borne disinformation and weaponized corruption. A less recognized Russian effort to build influence in Africa is an expansion across the continent of the Russian Orthodox Church. As the Russian church's overt support for Putin's war on Ukraine has corroded its influence in the traditionally Orthodox Christian world, the Moscow Patriarchate is opening parishes and hiring priests away from the established African church.