Executive Summary

Sahelian leaders in early 2026 continued to spread disinformation focused on delegitimising Western states, portraying conflicts and grievances in line with Moscow’s regional policies, and promoting anti-democracy narratives. We do not expect this to cease through the rest of the year. 

The activity and narratives track with Russian influence operations identified in the Sahel in the past few years. They also coincide with regional political ruptures and geopolitical shifts, though any causal role remains undocumented. 

*Note: The Sahel is enduring severe security crises perpetuated by Jihadist violence and military coups. Grey Dynamics previously reported on the security situation and the effects of Russian and Chinese influence in the region.