Citizens from several African countries have reportedly been lured into the devastating Russia-Ukraine war, the most significant conflict in Europe since the Second World War (WWII). The war broke out on February 24, 2022.
While the Western world clearly sided with Ukraine, calling Russia an aggressor, the majority of African countries remained conspicuously silent. They neither condemned nor supported Russia. It was evident that the war divided the world ideologically, and many people took a stand based on their personal orientation and worldview. This is exactly what some Ethiopians did.
The war in Ukraine ignited five months after the outbreak of war in Northern Ethiopia. Two months after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Ethiopians queued at the Russian Embassy in Addis Ababa, reportedly to register to fight alongside Russia. It was the “talk of the town” at the time. However, the embassy later denied engaging in recruitment, though it expressed appreciation for the show of support. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) welcomed the embassy’s clarification.
During this time, anti-American sentiment grew among some Ethiopians, particularly in the diaspora, who accused the US of colluding with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Others, nostalgic for the Derg-era Ethio-Russia socialist relationship, rationalized standing by Russia. Despite this, there are no established facts or verified reports of Ethiopians being wounded or killed while fighting for Russia.
However, names and numbers of citizens from several other African countries continue to emerge. According to news reports, Kenyans, South Africans, and Cameroonians have been recruited to fight; a few have reportedly been killed, wounded, or captured by Ukrainian forces.
Recently, the Kenyan National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to lawmakers that over 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited. Additionally, 335 Cameroonians and 17 South Africans have been involved in the war, often in direct opposition to their home governments. These countries are now working to repatriate their citizens, with South Africa reporting the successful return of the majority of its 17 nationals.
Deception Leading to Dangerous Conflict
According to a Kenyan government intelligence report, rogue officials, immigration officers, human traffickers, and even embassy staff have been involved in tricking citizens into going to Russia. Recruiters target unemployed individuals with promises of high monthly pay and bonuses. When authorities alerted and tightened airport controls, illegal recruiters began using third-party countries to avoid direct flights to Russia.
Ukraine claims that 1,400 Africans from 36 countries are currently fighting alongside Russian forces. Russia, however, strongly denies that it has engaged in the secret recruitment of Africans.
