His legal counsel describes this outcome as an “extremely negative signal” for individuals committed to countering Russian propaganda. Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a journalist from the Central African Republic, had sought sanctuary in France since 2024, following his revelations about the intricate Russian disinformation network operated by the Wagner paramilitary group. Despite being granted a special entry permit to French territory, his application for asylum was formally declined on Friday, July 10. 

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Whistleblower faces death threats

In late 2019, while contributing to various publications, Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo was approached and subsequently received payments ranging from fifteen to thirty euros per article – approximately a quarter of his monthly income – for content endorsing the Central African army and its Russian allies.

This courageous whistleblower came forward in 2024, contributing to a Forbidden Stories investigation into Russian influence operations across Africa. Having previously fled his homeland under the shadow of death threats from the Wagner group, Yalike-Ngonzo’s disclosures proved instrumental. His powerful testimony ultimately led to European sanctions being imposed on Mikhail Prudnikov, identified as a key orchestrator of Moscow’s propaganda efforts within the Central African Republic.

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An appeal was formally lodged with the National Court of Asylum on Thursday, July 9, with a verdict anticipated within the next year. Meanwhile, Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo and his family remain in hiding within France. Simultaneously, his relatives who remain in the Central African Republic are subjected to persistent questioning, pressured to disclose his whereabouts.