Kremlin changes approach to recruiting Africans for war, creates blacklists
Russia creates blacklists after backlash over recruitment of Africans for war (photo: Getty Images)
Despite Kremlin rhetoric about friendship with Africa, Russia exploits vulnerable youth from the continent as a resource for war. However, not all African countries turn a blind eye to the recruitment of their men, so Moscow created blacklists for such cases, the Center for Countering Disinformation reports.
"If earlier it was mainly about semi-legal schemes and unofficial channels — closed groups in messengers, front companies, employment intermediaries and so on — now diplomatic and cultural missions of Russia on the continent are increasingly acting as recruitment centers," the Center for Countering Disinformation reported.
As it turned out, more than 1,400 citizens of African countries who fought on the side of Russia have already been identified. Deaths of at least 316 people have been confirmed, with a significant part of them dying less than a month after arriving at the front.
It is reported that many of them were misled during the selection stage, being promised jobs in the civilian sector.
"After strong reaction from governments in some African countries, Russia stopped recruiting their citizens, forming an unofficial blacklist of states. Instead, recruitment continues in other countries of continent," the center added.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reported at the end of February that Russia very often recruits youth from African countries for war against Ukraine through deception. This was stated by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a meeting with his counterpart from Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Kremlin recruits Africans for war through deception. Men are promised $25,000 and further service in their home countries.
In reality, many do not live to receive payments, while a significant number of Africans organize escapes.
