Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a Centrafrican journalist, has been denied asylum in France after exposing Moscow’s covert influence campaigns orchestrated by the Wagner Group. His legal team calls the rejection a dangerous precedent for those fighting Russian propaganda.

Granted temporary entry in 2024 following direct intervention by the French government, Yalike-Ngonzo had been living under protection in France after detailing how Wagner operatives manipulated local media and security forces. His revelations contributed to European sanctions against Mikhail Prudnikov, a key figure in Russia’s disinformation network in Centrafrique.

From paid propagandist to target of death threats

Yalike-Ngonzo’s journey began in late 2019 when he was recruited to produce pro-government content for Centrafrican outlets. He received between €15 and €30 per published piece—barely enough to cover a quarter of his monthly expenses—while Wagner consolidated its grip on the country’s security apparatus.

As his involvement grew, so did the risks. Exposed by an investigative consortium in 2024, he faced immediate retaliation. Death threats from Wagner operatives forced him into exile, where he later shared classified documents with international researchers. These disclosures triggered sanctions against Prudnikov and exposed the scale of Moscow’s shadow operations across Centrafrique.

Legal limbo: one-year wait for appeal decision

On July 9, his legal team filed an urgent appeal with the French National Asylum Court. The process could drag on for up to a year, leaving Yalike-Ngonzo and his family in legal limbo. His relatives back in Centrafrique are routinely questioned by local authorities, pressured to disclose his whereabouts.

His lawyer warns that the asylum rejection sends a chilling message to activists and journalists worldwide: revealing Kremlin-backed operations can cost you protection, even when your life is at stake.