The Take Who are Africa’s ‘ghost reporters’ writing pro-Russian propaganda?
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Mar 24, 2025 Justin Yarga, a freelance journalist with experience in Burkina Faso, delves into the eerie world of ‘ghost reporters’ crafting pro-Russian narratives in West Africa. He unravels the mystery of Gregoire Dongobada, a deceptive figure whose identity ties back to a deceased schoolteacher. The conversation sheds light on the shifting sentiments from French colonial influence to an embrace of Russian propaganda post-coup. Yarga shares insights on media manipulation tactics, stressing the crucial need for critical engagement and verification in today’s information landscape.
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The Ghost Reporter
- Justin Yarga investigated a prolific military observer named Gregoire Cyril Dongobada.
- A friend revealed Dongobada, a schoolteacher and referee, was deceased.
Pro-Russia Propaganda
- Dongobada's articles, published after Russia's Ukraine invasion, praised Russia and the Wagner Group.
- This content seemed like propaganda, focusing on topics irrelevant to Burkina Faso.
Information Laundering
- Al Jazeera obtained WhatsApp messages revealing a middleman helped Dongobada publish articles.
- This middleman employed information laundering, using a Francophone name and legitimate news sites.