• Tricked into Trenches: How Africans Are Being Exploited in the Russia-Ukraine War

By Fortune Madondo

It can no longer be dismissed as internet sensationalism or Western propaganda. African history teaches us caution, and today several governments—including Botswana, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana—are acknowledging the scale of this problem.

Africans are being deceived, tricked, and lured into the frontline of the Russia–Ukraine war. Kenya’s Foreign Minister has announced plans to protest in Moscow against the “unacceptable” recruitment of Kenyans. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that 17 South Africans were repatriated after distress calls. Ghana’s forestry minister reported meeting with Ukraine’s foreign minister to secure the release of two Ghanaians held as prisoners of war. Ukraine’s own officials have confirmed that Russian soldiers of African origin are among those captured.

A new investigative report by All Eyes on Wagner (AEOW), now part of Swiss NGO INPACT, reveals thousands of Africans recruited into the Russian army. The report, The Business of Despair (February 11, 2026), describes a systematic campaign targeting economically vulnerable African men. AEOW verified a database of 1,417 recruits, 316 of whom have already been killed. Recruitment has escalated since Russia’s invasion: 177 Africans in 2023, 592 in 2024, and 647 in 2025. The average recruit is 31 years old, and most deaths occur within six months of service—51 within their first month.

This exploitation echoes history. Africans have long been drawn into wars not their own—from colonial armies in World War I and II to Black soldiers in Vietnam. Bob Marley’s Buffalo Soldier captured this injustice: men “stolen from Africa, brought to America” and forced to fight in foreign lands.

Today, young Africans are again being misled—promised jobs in security, construction, or factories—only to face bullets, drones, and systemic racism on the battlefield.

In Kenya, families of recruits marched on parliament on March 5, 2026, demanding an end to this deadly deception. Authorities have shut down more than 600 job agencies accused of clandestine recruitment, yet intelligence estimates over 1,000 Kenyans have already been lured to fight.

History repeats itself: Africans fighting wars that are not theirs, dying in foreign trenches, and returning to indignity. The stench of injustice persists, and the stories of those duped into the Russia–Ukraine war are heartbreaking reminders of exploitation, despair, and resilience.

Across Africa, disturbing reports continue to surface of citizens lured into Russia’s war in Ukraine under false pretences.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that 17 South Africans sent “distress calls” after being tricked with fake job contracts. Survivors interviewed by BBC and CNN said they were promised “security” or “factory” jobs, only to have their passports confiscated and military contracts forced upon them. Fifteen of the men have since returned home after Ramaphosa secured their release in a phone call with President Vladimir Putin. Two others remain in Russia—one in hospital, another arranging travel—while two were killed on the battlefield.

The men accused Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, of conning them into joining Russia’s forces. She denies the allegations, claiming she, too was deceived. South African law criminalises serving in a foreign military without government approval.

Ghana: Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, stated that more than 1,780 Africans are currently fighting in the Russian army, pressed into service from 36 countries. Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, joined Sybiha in Kyiv, pleading for the release of two Ghanaians captured in Ukraine. He described them as “victims of manipulation, disinformation, and criminal trafficking networks.”

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwean officials are investigating similar cases. Liberation war veteran Mayibongwe Mkandla called the trend “alarming,” noting that poverty drives young men to leave home only to be trapped in a war not theirs. Opposition leader Devine Mhambi Hove urged the government to act, while activist Melusi Nyathi criticised official silence, pointing to South Africa’s stronger stance.

Kenya and Rogue Agencies: Kenya has shut down over 600 job agencies accused of clandestine recruitment. Intelligence reports reveal agencies targeting ex-soldiers, police, and desperate civilians with promises of salaries, bonuses, and Russian citizenship. As of February 2026, 39 Kenyans had been hospitalised, 30 repatriated, 28 missing, and nearly 90 confirmed on the frontline. Survivors warn others: “You’ll end up in the military even if you’ve never served before. Many friends have died in the name of money.”

The Horrifying Scale

Investigations estimate that Russia has recruited around 1,700 mercenaries from at least 36 African countries. Survivors recount racial abuse, forced “meat assaults,” and exploitation. One Kenyan was filmed with a landmine strapped to his chest, mocked as a “can-opener” for Ukrainian defences. Others report being robbed of promised bonuses, left unpaid, and coerced under threat of violence. However, Russia’s embassy in Kenya denied it had been involved in recruiting Kenyans to fight in Ukraine, describing the accusation as part of “a dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign”.

What Must Be Done

African governments must act decisively to block fraudulent recruitment schemes. Job offers in conflict zones must be treated with suspicion, and rogue agencies dismantled. Protecting citizens from being dragged into foreign wars is not optional—it is a duty. Without vigilance, these conflicts will continue to mean African tragedy.

(C)  F. Madondo, (African Teacher) fortmada123@gmail.com