PUTIN’S POWER PLAY IN AFRICA

As Western forces are pushed out of the Central Sahel, Russia moves in to fill the power vacuum with weapons, mercenaries, and propaganda. Investigative journalist Sira Thierij traveled alone to countries few international crews have entered in years, working under extreme danger — including being kidnapped — to document this unfolding “modern-day Cold War.”

Over the course of a year, she captured how local populations, facing terror, hunger, and climate pressures, navigate life amid the power struggles of global actors.

With the courage and support of local reporters, this 53-minute co-production for ARTE, DW and ZDF provides a counter-narrative in a region where propaganda distates public discourse, as independent journalism has become nearly impossible.