A former journalist from the Central African Republic (CAR) has exposed how the Wagner Group, a Kremlin-backed mercenary network, orchestrates propaganda and suppresses dissent to bolster Russia's influence in Africa.
Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo says he was tasked with writing and distributing positive stories about Wagner across local news. He was also tasked with organizing anti-West demonstrations and repressing all government dissent from 2019 onwards.
He has shared an account after fleeing to Europe earlier this year.
Yalike-Ngonzo's revelations shed light on the disinformation machine fueling Moscow's growing presence in Africa, including its support for CAR's military regime.
"It is important for me to share this story so that justice can be done," Yalike-Ngonzo said. "To denounce the disrespect of human rights, and to expose the disinformation system which can be replicated in other countries."
What Does The Wagner Group Do in Africa?
Russia has increasingly positioned itself as a security partner for African nations.
The Wagner Group has been accused of numerous human rights violations while propping up the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
Along with the CAR, they have partnered with regimes in Mali, Libya, and Sudan, often stepping in as a security partner where Western influence has waned.
In Mali, Wagner and the Malian army were accused of executing nearly 300 men in 2022, many of whom were civilians, in what Human Rights Watch called the worst atrocity in the country's decade-long conflict.
Despite promises to stabilize the nation, the group has reportedly trained CAR's military in torture techniques and covered up abuses, according to watchdog group The Sentry.
These included how to cut hands, remove nails, throw fuel and burn people alive.
Alongside exerting considerable democratic influence, Wagner operatives across Africa have reportedly secured mining rights for gold and diamonds, exploiting the continent's natural resources to fund their operations.
These activities also support Russia's economy during its war with Ukraine.
'I Realized It Was Against My Conscience'
Yalike-Ngonzo's recruitment began in 2019 when he was approached by a Russian national who offered him a monthly salary more than double his earnings as editor-in-chief of the local newspaper Potentiel.
Believing he was aiding peace endeavors, Yalike-Ngonzo accepted the offer and eventually became head of Wagner's media relations in CAR.
However, Yalike-Ngonzo's trust in Wagner eroded when he was instructed to fabricate stories to silence dissent. "I realized it was against my conscience," he said. "This was not journalism...They were pushing me: you should do this; you should write about this."
The entire point of his position was to spread anti-Western narratives and bolster the nation's opinion of the Kremlin.
How Wagner Handle Recruit Exits
After years of working against the interests of the country he wanted to build, Yalike-Ngonzo's disillusionment with Wagner grew after threats from his employers. The final straw came when he was asked to cover up abuses committed by his colleagues towards innocent citizens.
When he tried to flee the country with his family, security blocked them at the airport.
"It's the Russians who will handle you," a police officer warned him.
After evading capture, Yalike-Ngonzo escaped to Europe with assistance from the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa.
Despite Wagner's efforts to manipulate public opinion in CAR, Yalike-Ngonzo claims their propaganda has largely failed to resonate. "People do not have a positive view of the Russians," he said. "But everyone is afraid to say so."
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
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