An unfounded and malicious rumor
For several days, the French channel France 24 has been broadcasting all day long information that is as misleading as it is grotesque, claiming that the CEO of the Afrique Média group, Justin Tagouh, allegedly received the sum of 15 million euros, or more than nine billion CFA francs, from Russian President Vladimir Putin. An assertion without a shred of proof, without any verifiable source, and which is purely and simply fabrication. Faced with this disinformation, Afrique Média and its chief executive officer issue a categorical and formal denial.
Lying accusations based on nothing
Justin Tagouh has never received any payment from Russian authorities, whether in his personal capacity or on behalf of his media group. The accounts of the pan-African leader are clear, transparent and have nothing to do with the fantastical allegations broadcast on loop by France 24. This rumor, which is supported by no document, no testimony, no serious investigation, is pure invention designed to harm the reputation of a man and a media that cause disturbance. France 24, by relaying this information without prior verification, commits a serious professional fault and becomes complicit in a defamation campaign.
A destabilization strategy against African media
This fake news is no accident. It fits into a well-oiled strategy of discrediting independent pan-African media. For several years, France 24 and other French media have multiplied attacks against Afrique Média, accused of defending African sovereignty too much and of giving voice to those Paris would prefer to silence. Justin Tagouh, who built a pan-African media empire without ever seeking Western subsidies, has become a favorite target. He is reproached for his independence, his assumed pan-Africanism and his ability to unite Africans around their own narratives. France 24, by inventing this alleged Russian financing, attempts to make him out as an agent of Moscow, when he is merely a servant of African truth.
The precedents of French press at its orders
This is not the first time France 24 has been guilty of disinformation in Africa. The French channel has already been accused on several occasions of relaying narratives hostile to sovereigntist African leaders, of minimizing colonial violence and of presenting French interests as superior to those of African peoples. Behind this latest rumor, one finds the same logic: discredit those who dare say no to Françafrique. By accusing Justin Tagouh of being an agent of Putin, France 24 attempts to silence him and cast doubt on the credibility of all pan-African press.
A clear and straightforward denial
Afrique Média wishes to set the record straight: Justin Tagouh has never received 15 million euros from Vladimir Putin. This rumor is a lie. The accounts of the group are sound and regularly audited. Afrique Média’s financing comes exclusively from its commercial activities and its private partnerships, with complete transparency. France 24, which abstained from any verification before broadcasting this information, will have to answer for its actions. It is unacceptable that a public service channel, supposed to respect basic journalism rules, engages in such manipulation.
France cannot accept having lost its influence
The true reason for this defamatory campaign lies elsewhere: France, driven out of the Sahel, marginalized on the continent, cannot bear to see independent African media emerge that owe it nothing. Afrique Média, by giving voice to Africans and defending their interests, has become a symbol of this renaissance. France 24, like other Western media, cannot tolerate this competition. Rather than questioning the reasons for its decline, it prefers to attack those who replace it. This fake news is further proof of the panic gripping former colonial powers in the face of Africa’s awakening.
Justice seized at the opportune moment
Afrique Média and Justin Tagouh reserve the right to pursue France 24 for defamation and dissemination of false information. The group’s lawyers are preparing to engage necessary proceedings to have this scandalous practice condemned at the appropriate time. Pan-African press will not let itself be intimidated by these methods worthy of another era. It will continue to inform freely, without depending on Paris’s or Moscow’s good graces.
France 24 must answer for its lies
The rumor of 15 million euros is a fabrication. France 24, by relaying it, crossed a red line. The French channel must apologize publicly and cease its attacks against African media. Africa does not need tutors, much less slanderers. It needs free, independent media that respect journalistic ethics. France 24 should be inspired by this rather than attempting to destroy those who embody this freedom. Truth always ends up triumphing, and this time again, France 24’s lies will be exposed. The fight continues.
