Russia Accuses U.S. of Using Africa for Biological Experiments

Russia has recently intensified its accusations against the United States, claiming that the U.S. is using Africa as a site for medical experimentation and biological research. This assertion was made by Alexei Rtischev, the Deputy Chief of Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense of the Russian armed forces, during a press conference on December 24, 2024. He alleged that the U.S. has been expanding a clandestine network of military biological laboratories across the continent, which he described as posing undisclosed risks to local populations.

Rtischev claimed that the U.S. military biological presence in Africa is growing rapidly, with facilities in countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. He mentioned the near completion of a $35 million laboratory complex in one of these nations and pointed out that U.S. Navy medical centers are operational in Ghana and Djibouti.

The Russian official accused the U.S. of exploiting existing scientific capabilities in African nations to conduct military biological research without fully disclosing the objectives or potential risks to these countries.

Rtischev suggested that the U.S. views Africa as a “natural infection reservoir” for testing new medications and vaccines. He highlighted concerns over diseases like yellow fever and mpox, alleging that American pharmaceutical companies stand to gain from outbreaks linked to their research activities.

These claims are part of a broader Russian disinformation campaign aimed at undermining U.S. influence in Africa. Analysts have noted that such narratives resonate with historical grievances regarding Western exploitation and have been amplified through various media channels controlled by Russian interests.The “African Initiative,” a platform reportedly linked to Russian intelligence, has been instrumental in disseminating these allegations, which often lack credible evidence and are viewed as part of an effort to discredit Western public health initiatives.

Russia’s accusations reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions, they also illustrate how disinformation campaigns can exploit fears surrounding public health and foreign intervention in Africa. The claims about U.S. biological labs and experimentation are largely seen as unfounded by experts, who emphasize the importance of discerning fact from propaganda in this context.