The Russia-Ukraine war has had profound global repercussions, and African media have played a critical role in interpreting its impact through a regional lens. This study examines how media in Anglophone countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, as well as Francophone countries like Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Côte d’Ivoire, reported on the conflict.
Anglophone media emphasized economic consequences, humanitarian crises, and moral questions, while reflecting on domestic struggles, such as rising fuel prices, food insecurity, and the challenges faced by Africans in Ukraine. The tone ranged from neutral to critical, often scrutinizing the responses of their governments and international actors.
Francophone outlets, primarily relying on international news agencies, focused on global narratives but highlighted Africa-specific angles, including mediation efforts and the economic fallout of the war. Interestingly, Zimbabwe and the CAR, both with pro-Russian stances, mirrored Kremlin narratives, presenting positive sentiments toward Moscow.
A unifying theme across African media was the prioritization of regional implications, including economic vulnerabilities and the safety of African citizens abroad. However, disparities in sourcing and tones - shaped by resource limitations - highlight the challenges faced by African media in offering local perspectives on complex international conflicts.
This study underscores the importance of understanding Africa’s diverse media landscapes and their role in shaping public perceptions of global events.
Special thanks to the authors Zaphesheya Dlamini and Samba Dialimpa Badji, whose insights and research were instrumental in shaping this study.
