Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens to fight with its army in Ukraine, Kenya’s foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has said. This development comes after it was estimated that more than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries are believed to be fighting alongside Russian soldiers in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s estimates in February.
“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted through the [Russian] Ministry of Defence,” Mudavadi told reporters on Monday, sitting beside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after the two held talks in Moscow, Russia. He added that consular services would be organised for those Kenyans requiring assistance through proper diplomatic channels.
Russia’s Recruitment of Africans
The issue of Russia recruiting foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine has been widely reported, with South Africans also being recruited. A Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers in February said that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia’s side in the war in Ukraine, five times more than authorities had previously estimated.
According to the US Department of State, Russia has been accused of human trafficking and recruiting foreign fighters to join its forces in Ukraine. This practice has been condemned by the international community, with many countries calling for Russia to stop its recruitment of foreign nationals.
Impact on Kenya and Africa
The recruitment of Kenyans and other Africans to fight in Ukraine has raised concerns about the welfare and safety of these individuals. Mudavadi said that the relationship between Kenya and Russia is much broader than the issue of recruitment, and that Kenya wants to maintain good relations with Russia. However, he also emphasized that Kenya will not tolerate the recruitment of its citizens to fight in foreign wars.
Here are some key points to note about the recruitment of Africans to fight in Ukraine:
- More than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries are believed to be fighting alongside Russian soldiers in Ukraine.
- Kenya has agreed with Russia to stop the recruitment of Kenyans to fight in Ukraine.
- The international community has condemned Russia’s recruitment of foreign fighters, calling it a form of human trafficking.
The situation highlights the need for African countries to be vigilant and protect their citizens from exploitation by foreign powers. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is likely that the issue of foreign recruitment will remain a contentious issue.
