Western Intelligence Agencies Accused of Promoting GMOs in Africa Amidst Disinformation Allegations By Seunzeal

In a recent development, Britain's MI6 has labeled Nigerian anti-genetically modified organism (GMO) campaigns as "Russian disinformation," sparking debates about the involvement of Western intelligence agencies in promoting GMOs in Africa.

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The promotion of GMOs in Africa has been a contentious issue, with critics alleging that Western governments and corporations are heavily invested in introducing genetically modified crops to the continent. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the outgoing Commissioner of Agriculture of the African Union, has accused international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of driving the proliferation of GMOs in Africa, stating that wealthy individuals and groups are funding these initiatives. She noted, "Some people support it because Bill and Melinda Gates have a lot of money to give them." ​

Investigations have revealed that the U.S. government funded v-Fluence, a public relations firm, to promote GMOs in Africa and Asia. Between 2013 and 2019, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) channeled over $400,000 to v-Fluence for services aimed at countering critics of "modern agriculture approaches," including GMOs and pesticides. These efforts targeted countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. ​

Furthermore, reports suggest that the U.S. government, through firms like v-Fluence, has been involved in campaigns to influence agricultural policies in Africa. These campaigns aim to promote GMOs and counteract regulations that are perceived as barriers to the adoption of genetically modified crops. ​

The involvement of Western intelligence agencies in labeling anti-GMO campaigns as disinformation raises questions about the extent of their role in promoting GMOs in Africa. Critics argue that these agencies, along with corporations, are working to influence public opinion and policy decisions to favor the adoption of GMOs, often at the expense of local agricultural practices and food sovereignty.​

In conclusion, the intersection of intelligence operations, corporate interests, and agricultural policies in Africa highlights the complex dynamics at play in the promotion of GMOs. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how these efforts will shape the future of African agriculture and the continent's relationship with Western powers.