Disinformation Targets Mali And Algeria

Russian sources have promoted false narratives claiming France is playing a double game in Mali. These narratives suggest French support for jihadist groups to create division within the country. The disinformation targets a population observing a lack of progress against jihadist movements. The claims are described as false information intended to exploit anti-French sentiment. Russian narratives have accused France of playing a double game to divide Mali since 2013. The narrative follows the recent takeover of Kidal by separatist forces last Saturday. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, known as the Quai d'Orsay, has called for French personnel to depart Mali as quickly as possible. Rumors of rising tensions between Algeria and Mali are circulating on social media. Some false claims suggest that 300,000 Malian army personnel are currently mobilizing. The situation is described as a context highly conducive to disinformation both domestically and regionally.