Central African Republic Journalist Exposes Russian Disinformation Campaign
Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a journalist from the Central African Republic (CAR), has revealed his involvement in a Russian disinformation campaign orchestrated by the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group. In a detailed account, Yalike-Ngonzo described how he was recruited, tasked with promoting a pro-Russian narrative, and ultimately forced to flee the country after realizing the unethical nature of his work. His testimony provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Russia’s propaganda machine in Africa and sheds light on the extent of Moscow’s influence in the CAR.
Yalike-Ngonzo’s initial contact with the Russian operation came in 2019, when a man identified as "Micha" approached him with an offer to write articles promoting the CAR army and Russian forces. The offered salary was significantly higher than his current earnings, and Yalike-Ngonzo, believing he was contributing to peace efforts, accepted the proposal. However, the work quickly evolved into disseminating propaganda, organizing anti-Western demonstrations, and suppressing critical voices. Yalike-Ngonzo’s disillusionment began when he was instructed to publish false information to silence dissent, a task that violated his journalistic ethics.
His employer, later identified through investigations as Mikhail Mikhailovitch Prudnikov, an operative linked to Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, exerted increasing pressure on Yalike-Ngonzo. As the journalist’s salary increased, so did his responsibilities, eventually leading to his appointment as head of Wagner’s media relations. This position provided him with a unique vantage point to observe the extent of Wagner’s influence within the CAR, an influence often marked by human rights abuses and the suppression of dissenting voices. Yalike-Ngonzo was even instructed to cover up evidence of these abuses, further solidifying his desire to escape the situation.
Wagner’s presence in the CAR, initially welcomed as a solution to the ongoing conflict that began in 2013, has been increasingly criticized for its role in perpetuating violence and supporting the authoritarian regime of Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Accusations of human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings, have mounted against the mercenary group. Yalike-Ngonzo’s account corroborates these allegations and reveals how Wagner manipulates the media to control the narrative and maintain its grip on power.
The journalist’s attempt to flee the CAR with his family was thwarted by security forces at the airport. A police officer warned him that he would be dealt with by the Russians, underscoring the power the mercenary group wields within the country. After being briefly detained and questioned, Yalike-Ngonzo went into hiding and eventually escaped to Europe via Congo. He is now the first insider to publicly expose the mechanisms of Russia’s disinformation campaign in the CAR.
Yalike-Ngonzo’s testimony underscores the broader context of Russia’s growing influence in Africa. Moscow has increasingly positioned itself as a security partner for numerous African nations, often displacing traditional Western allies. This shift in alliances has been accompanied by a sophisticated disinformation strategy aimed at promoting a positive image of Russia while undermining Western influence and destabilizing democratic institutions. While other journalists in the CAR continue to work for the Russians, often out of fear or economic necessity, Yalike-Ngonzo hopes his story will bring attention to the manipulation and abuses taking place and ultimately contribute to accountability for those responsible. He believes that despite the pervasive propaganda, the people of CAR remain skeptical of Russia’s presence, but are too afraid to speak out. His decision to share his experience marks a significant step in exposing the hidden machinery of Russia’s influence campaign in Africa.