Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a former journalist, has exposed Russia’s disinformation operations in the Central African Republic (CAR).
After being recruited in 2019 by a Russian agent to promote the country’s army and Russian forces, Yalike-Ngonzo realized he was being used to spread Kremlin-backed propaganda.
“For three years, I wrote stories praising Russian forces and suppressing critics,” Yalike-Ngonzo told the Associated Press.
“It went against my conscience. This wasn’t journalism.”
The Russian mercenary group, Wagner, was initially deployed to fight rebel groups but has since faced accusations of human rights violations, including torture and killings.
Despite these allegations, Russia’s influence has grown in CAR and other African nations.
Yalike-Ngonzo, who fled to Europe earlier this year, shared his story to expose the Kremlin’s tactics.
Despite ongoing Russian propaganda, he believes the public in CAR remains wary of Russia.
“People are afraid to speak out, but they do not trust the Russians,” he said.
