Russia faces backlash over dead, missing African recruits ahead of Moscow summit
Originally published by Kahawatungu — Read the original article →
Russia is facing growing questions over its treatment of African nationals recruited into its war in Ukraine, with revelations that Moscow has declined to help trace or repatriate the remains of dead Kenyan fighters casting a shadow over the upcoming Russia–Africa Summit.
The third summit, scheduled for October 28–29 in Moscow, comes amid disturbing reports of African job seekers, including Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa, being lured into Russia’s military through promises of lucrative employment, only to end up fighting in Ukraine.
The controversy has raised questions about Russia’s commitment to African countries it routinely describes as strategic partners, particularly as families struggle to establish the whereabouts of relatives who travelled to Russia seeking better economic opportunities.