Centrafrican whistleblower denied asylum in France despite exposing Wagner’s operations
Centrafrican journalist Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, who exposed Wagner’s operations in his country, was denied asylum in France despite receiving a special pass from Emmanuel Macron. Now in hiding with his family, he faces a challenging legal battle while his relatives in Centrafrica endure persistent interrogations.
Exposing Russian disinformation: a dangerous revelation
Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a Centrafrican journalist, found temporary refuge in France in 2024 after revealing the inner workings of Russia’s disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Wagner paramilitary group. His asylum request, however, was denied on July 10, sending a chilling warning to others battling Kremlin propaganda.
His lawyer called the decision a “highly alarming signal” for those fighting against Russian propaganda. The journalist had initially gained access to France through a special travel document facilitated by French authorities following his disclosures.
The high price of truth
Between 2019 and 2024, Yalike-Ngonzo was paid between fifteen and thirty euros for each article he published in support of the Centrafrican military and its Russian allies—a fraction of his usual monthly salary. This financial arrangement was part of Wagner’s broader influence operations in the region.
In 2024, his testimony became a cornerstone of an international investigation into Russian interference in Africa. The revelations led to sanctions against Mikhail Prudnikov, a key figure in Moscow’s propaganda network in Centrafrica. Yet, this courage came at a cost: death threats from Wagner forced him into exile.
Legal battle and ongoing threats
A formal appeal was filed on July 9 before France’s National Asylum Court. The process could stretch over a year, leaving Yalike-Ngonzo and his family in limbo. While awaiting the outcome, they remain in hiding, their whereabouts known only to a trusted few.
Their safety is further compromised as relatives back in Centrafrica face relentless questioning, pressured to disclose his location. This high-stakes scenario underscores the brutal consequences faced by those who dare to challenge powerful entities.