The decision to deny asylum sends an “extremely negative signal” to all individuals committed to combating “Russian propaganda,” according to Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo’s legal counsel. The Central African journalist had sought refuge in France starting in 2024, following his revelations about the intricate Russian disinformation network orchestrated by the Wagner paramilitary group. Although he was granted a special pass to enter French territory, his application for asylum was formally rejected on Friday, July 10.

journalist faces death threats

Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo was first approached in late 2019 while contributing to various news outlets. At the time, he received between fifteen and thirty euros for each article published in support of the Central African army and its Russian partners, a sum representing about a quarter of his monthly income.

As a brave whistleblower, he stepped forward in 2024 as part of a Forbidden Stories investigation, shedding light on Russian influence operations across Africa. Facing grave death threats directly from the Wagner group, he was forced to flee his homeland shortly before making these revelations. Yalike-Ngonzo’s courageous disclosures ultimately yielded significant results, leading to European sanctions against Mikhaïl Prudnikov, identified as one of the key architects behind Moscow’s propaganda efforts in the Central African Republic.

On Thursday, July 9, an appeal was formally lodged with the National Asylum Court. A definitive decision on his case is anticipated within the next year. In the interim, Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo remains in hiding in France with his family. Meanwhile, his relatives who remain in the Central African Republic are subjected to regular interrogations, pressured to disclose his current whereabouts.