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 the Zimbabweans had been lured by shadowy agencies promising lucrative jobs abroad using social media platforms as their primary hunting ground.
It is a sophisticated scheme of deception, exploitation, and human trafficking that has already resulted in the loss of Zimbabwean lives, he said.
The Zimbabwe government is in discussions with Russian authorities to ensure the repatriation of bodies and the safe return of those still alive.
This is the first acknowledgment by the Zimbabwean government of its nationals being involved in military service for Russia. Soda advised individuals to be cautious with overseas job offers, highlighting the risk of recruiters disappearing once a recruit is injured, captured, or killed, leaving their families without support.
This issue is part of a larger trend observed across Africa, with citizens from countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa also being enticed to join the conflict.
A Ukrainian intelligence report has estimated that over 1,700 individuals from 36 African nations have been recruited to fight for Russia. Kenya has reported that 252 citizens have been unlawfully conscripted, prompting diplomatic discussions to prevent further recruitment.
Similarly, Ghana has recorded 55 fatalities related to their nationals fighting in the conflict, while South Africa has successfully secured the return of 17 citizens allegedly misled into joining.
