Russian Interference Allegations: Ahoua Don Mello Tells France What He Thinks

In a statement published in Abidjan on October 29, 2026, Ahoua Don Mello challenged Viginum’s report on GlobUs, a group the French agency describes as a Russian influence operation active notably in Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. He accused Viginum of portraying public diplomacy, expert meetings and media cooperation as interference, and called the report biased and neocolonial. Don Mello said he shared the Russian Embassy in France’s criticism and argued that the allegations seek to constrain African countries’ partnerships beyond their traditional ties with Western powers.