Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a Central African journalist, found himself at the center of a troubling legal decision when his asylum application was rejected on Friday, July 10. His case sends a discouraging message to those resisting Russian propaganda in conflict zones, according to his legal representative. Yalike-Ngonzo had been living in France since 2024 after fleeing his home country, where he faced death threats for uncovering the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group’s influence campaign in the Central African Republic.

His revelations contributed to European Union sanctions against Mikhail Prudnikov, a key figure in Moscow’s disinformation network operating in the region. The sanctions highlight the impact of his testimony, which detailed how Wagner operatives, alongside local allies, manipulated media narratives to bolster their presence in the country.

A life in hiding for exposing the truth

Yalike-Ngonzo’s journey began when he was recruited in late 2019 by individuals linked to Wagner. At the time, he was working for several news outlets and received modest payments—ranging from 15 to 30 euros—each time he published content favorable to the Central African military and its Russian partners. The financial incentives were a fraction of his regular income, yet they came with significant risks.

By 2024, the journalist had become a target. Threats from Wagner forces forced him to leave the Central African Republic abruptly. His decision to speak out during an investigation by Forbidden Stories marked a turning point. The exposure of his experiences not only validated his fears but also led to concrete international actions against the architects of the disinformation campaign.

As of July 9, Yalike-Ngonzo has filed an appeal with the National Asylum Court. A decision is not expected for at least a year. In the meantime, he remains in hiding in France with his family, while relatives back home face persistent interrogations, pressured to disclose his whereabouts.