Posted on 07/26/2023 4:51:53 AM PDT by AdmSmith
3SEP2024
A network of twenty-seven YouTube channels, targeting at least eight West African countries, is spreading pro-Russia and pro-Wagner Group content, with a notable surge in activity following the defeat of Malian and Wagner forces in the battle of Tinzaouaten in northern Mali. The channels appear to be utilizing AI-generated narration to repost content stolen from both trusted local news sources and the Russian media outlet Sputnik. The channels most often shared content focused on Sahelian politics and the domestic political landscape of West African countries, with a significant focus on Mali and Niger.
The Cocobod CEO explained that this intensified exercise is crucial for safeguarding Ghana's cocoa export industry and ensuring the country meets its international export targets. “Cocoa is the backbone of Ghana's economy. It brings in the foreign exchange needed to support our balance of payments. We cannot afford to lose our cocoa exports, especially since we heavily support local farmers,” Mr. Aidoo emphasized.
He also noted that the government, through Cocobod, provides substantial support to cocoa farmers. “This year, we supplied more than enough fertilizers, such as liquid fertilizer, insecticides, and fungicides. Cocobod also funded the pruning of cocoa farms. If cocoa is smuggled out of the country, how are we going to repay the loans we took to invest in our farmers?” he questioned.
Mr. Aidoo went on to disclose a concerning development in cocoa smuggling, attributing the issue to the Russian government. He explained that the Russian military group Wagner, stationed in Burkina Faso, Niger, and other Francophone countries, is involved in buying smuggled cocoa from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. He disclosed, “Russia has been banned from entering the European market, which has led them to resort to smuggling cocoa. Countries like Burkina Faso and Niger, which do not grow cocoa, are now exporting cocoa. Where are they getting it from?” he asked.
While politically independent from France, are not the commercial ties still making Niger dependent on French interests??
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