Nigerian journalist, Philip Obaji, will speak on Russian clandestine operations in Africa and later face questions from United States senators and members of the House of Representatives during the forthcoming U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation (CSCE) in Europe hearing on Russia’s imperial identity due to take place on Wednesday, September 18 at 2 PM Eastern Time (7 PM Nigeria Time).
Obaji, an award-winning correspondent for The Daily Beast known for his reporting on the activities of Russian paramilitaries in West and Central Africa, will be testifying alongside Botakoz Kassymbekova, an assistant professor in modern history at University of Basel; Timothy Snyder, a Richard C. Levin professor of history at Yale University; and Maria Vyushkova, a Buryat activist and scientist.
This hearing will examine the history of Russian colonialism and its current manifestations, especially how language and myths of empire continue to enable Russian atrocities today. Witnesses will further discuss how best to support and elevate marginalized voices seeking political and cultural representation and decolonization.
The CSCE, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission is a government commission that promotes human rights, military security, and economic cooperation in 57 countries in Europe, Eurasia, and North America.
Nine Commissioners are members of the Senate, nine are members of the House of Representatives, and three are executive branch officials.
