Botswana authorities are investigating the case of two young men, aged 19 and 20, who were allegedly recruited to fight in Ukraine under false pretenses. Officials in Gaborone say the pair believed they were signing up for short-term military training in Russia, only to be drawn into the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. The Ministry of International Relations is coordinating with diplomats and law enforcement to confirm the circumstances and bring the men safely home. Officials warned young people to exercise caution against “dubious and dangerous international recruitment schemes” and to verify opportunities with official embassies or consulates.
UN agencies have also urged African governments to remain vigilant and issue clear warnings, highlighting a rising trend of misinformation luring young Africans into armed conflicts. Across the continent, similar cases have emerged. Nigerian Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who joined the Russian army, was captured in July by the anti-Kremlin “Freedom for Russia” Legion in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. He reportedly had been promised quick pay and safe service but was sent into poorly planned frontline operations. Senegalese Malick Diop faced similar circumstances on the Toretsk front in Donetsk.
Human rights and military analysts note that both sides of the conflict have seen an influx of African recruits, many misled by false promises. The Freedom for Russia Legion has called on foreign fighters to surrender or switch sides, accusing Russian authorities of showing little concern for their safety. Botswana’s government says it is working to prevent further cases and protect its citizens from exploitation in foreign conflicts.
