Le Monde and Forbidden Stories investigated Ephrem Yalike Ngozzo’s role in spreading Russian disinformation in the Central African Republic (CAR). Over eight months, the collaboration revealed how the Wagner Group’s tactics spread to West Africa.
In Paris, Ngozzo, a 29-year-old journalist, confessed to his involvement in destabilizing CAR. He had worked for Wagner, coordinating with local media, and felt deep regret for his actions.
To escape death threats from Wagner, Ngozzo fled CAR with help from a whistleblower protection platform. He had worked with the Russian group from 2019 to 2022, managing media relations and spreading disinformation.
In 2019, Ngozzo was approached with a financial offer while editing Le Potentiel Centrafricain. He was introduced to the Wagner Group, which provided incentives for spreading false narratives.
Now seeking redemption, Ngozzo aims to expose Wagner’s manipulation of media in CAR. He hopes his story will help reveal the group’s strategies used across Africa.