The Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavský has said that the European Union must work more actively to counter Russian propaganda in Africa.
Lipavský’s comments were made following a two-day meeting held between representatives of the EU and countries in the Sahel region (north-west Africa) in Prague.
In comments reported by Czech outlet České Noviny, the Czech Foreign Minister explained to the media that the Russian disinformation machine is trying to damage the image of the EU in Africa. In response, he said that “We need to collectively be more active in countering Russian propaganda,”.
These comments were echoed by the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, Emanuele Del Rea, who also spoke of a Russian disinformation campaign against Europe and the West which was taking place across the African continent.
One means of doing this was suggested by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Radek Rubeš, who proposed that the EU support the creation of community radio stations in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, with the hope that they would spread impartial news.
In addition, Czech representatives spoke of the importance of EU security missions in the Sahel region, and emphasised how the Czech army is currently in command of the EU training mission in Mali until mid-December. Rubeš then reiterated that security activities must also be followed up with sustainable development and humanitarian aid.
The meetings were held in Prague as a result of the Czech Presidency of the EU Council.
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