Évariste Ngamana, the Minister of State for Communication and government spokesperson, was the subject of discussion at a Council of Ministers meeting held on September 3, 2026. The meeting addressed serious concerns regarding the Minister's alleged establishment of a propaganda unit within the state's communication apparatus. The accusations surfaced during the session, which specifically focused on governmental communication strategies and their potential misuse. Discussions reportedly centered on the impact and implications of such a unit, particularly its operational scope and ethical boundaries, within the broader state's communication framework. This development has drawn significant attention to the Minister's role and the government's approach to public information.
Unit's Stated vs. Alleged Mission
The official report, presented during the Council of Ministers meeting, states the unit's mission as "renforcement et coordination de la communication publique," which translates to strengthening and coordination of public communication. This objective is outlined in documents reviewed during the session, offering a formal justification for its creation. According to the same official report, the unit is intended to analyze information and track rumors, functions designed to manage public discourse and monitor narratives circulating within the public sphere. These stated functions aim to ensure a coherent and effective flow of government information. However, the establishment of such a unit has prompted scrutiny regarding its actual operational scope and purpose, with many questioning whether its activities will align with its official mandate. Discussions at the Council of Ministers meeting reportedly centered on the potential implications of these stated functions and the practical implementation of the unit's objectives.
Minister's Background and Controversies
Évariste Ngamana, serving as the Minister of State for Communication and government spokesperson, has faced previous public scrutiny regarding his personal and professional background. He has been widely described as a "faux diplômé," or fake graduate, a claim that questions the authenticity and legitimacy of his academic credentials and has been a recurring point of public discussion. Additionally, Ngamana has been referred to as a "grand sorcier de Carnot," a designation that has circulated in public discourse and suggests a reputation for political maneuvering or influence. Ngamana also experienced a prior expulsion from the National Assembly, an incident that further contributes to the ongoing discussions surrounding the Minister and his suitability for high office. These past incidents collectively contribute to the current scrutiny and public debate surrounding the Minister's actions and the newly formed communication unit.
Official Approval and Next Steps
Despite the controversies, a "cellule de veille communicationnelle," or communication monitoring unit, was formally created and approved during the recent Council of Ministers meeting on September 3, 2026. This newly established communication unit has been explicitly placed directly under the authority of Évariste Ngamana, the Minister of State for Communication. Following its approval, the decree formalizing the unit's establishment is slated for submission to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra for his signature, according to sources familiar with the process. This step marks a critical progression in the unit's official recognition and operationalization, embedding it within the government's communication structure under the Minister's direct control. The President's signature is the final step required for the unit to become fully operational.
Broader Implications and Concerns
An article published by Africa Intelligence has raised significant concerns regarding the communication monitoring unit's true objectives. The publication claims the unit's primary goal is to recruit young people, who would then be tasked with creating fake accounts en masse across various online platforms. Crucially, these operations would reportedly utilize equipment funded by taxpayers, diverting public resources for potentially illicit activities. The Africa Intelligence article further alleges that Évariste Ngamana, the Minister of State for Communication, intends to leverage state apparatus—including this new unit and its resources—to promote himself personally. The publication suggests that the unit would be used to disseminate insults and disparaging remarks against political opponents online, transforming a government communication tool into a partisan attack mechanism. These claims suggest the unit's purpose extends significantly beyond its officially stated mission of public communication coordination and risks undermining public trust and democratic discourse.
