Zimbabwe says that 15 of its nationals have been killed after being recruited to fight for Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine, with more than 60 still trapped on the frontlines.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda stated that these individuals had been lured by shadowy agencies promising lucrative jobs abroad, primarily utilizing social media platforms as their hunting ground.
It is a sophisticated scheme of deception, exploitation, and human trafficking that has already resulted in the loss of Zimbabwean lives, he remarked.
The Zimbabwean government is currently in talks with Russian authorities to ensure the repatriation of bodies and the safe return of those still alive.
This revelation marks the first acknowledgment by Zimbabwe that dozens of its nationals are involved in military service for Russia.
Soda cautioned Zimbabweans to be wary of overseas job offers and to verify opportunities through official channels to avoid exploitation.
He also warned that recruiters often disappear when recruits are injured, captured, or killed, leaving their families without any financial support or information.
This issue is not isolated; a similar pattern has emerged in other African nations, such as Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, where citizens are being drawn into warfare.
A Ukrainian intelligence report estimates that over 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia.
Kenya suspects illegal conscription of 252 of its citizens, and the government has recently reached an agreement with Russia to halt the deployment of its nationals in the conflict.
Ghana reported that 55 of its citizens have died since the war began, compounded by reports of 272 citizens being lured to fight.
South Africa recently secured the return of 17 citizens who were reportedly tricked into participating in the war.
