Russia and African nations must work together to counter attempts by Western countries to undermine cooperation in the information sphere, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday.
Speaking to African journalists at the Russia-Africa Media Forum, Zakharova warned that outside powers seek to obstruct direct communication between Russia and African countries. She argued that restricting access to information and preventing independent exchanges between nations would deepen global inequality and reinforce divisions between countries.
“We must push back against this collectively... not individually, but by acting together,” she said.
Zakharova warned that efforts to limit international cooperation extend beyond the media sphere to cultural exchanges, energy, natural resources, and defense.
“African countries were pressured, blackmailed, and at times even threatened – while simultaneously being offered certain ‘bonuses’. They were told: ‘Renounce your cooperation with Russia, vote against Russia in international organizations, and in return, you will receive loans, food supplies, or political support.’”
Zakharova thanked African nations for standing firm under pressure, adding that it is “not just support for... Russia. It is support for the principles of justice, equality, and international law, and a rejection of segregation, humiliation, and blackmail.”
She expressed gratitude to the journalists who traveled to Russia for the forum, noting that some participants faced intimidation, “while others were lured with alternative events... to keep them from coming to Russia.”
Russia has also accused Western countries of trying to discourage African leaders from attending the Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28-29. In September, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov singled out France, saying President Emmanuel Macron would use a trip to Africa to persuade African leaders to not attend.
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