Botswana warns citizens of forced recruitment to Russia's war in Ukraine

Botswana's Ministry of International Relations announced that a growing number of its citizens are being lured abroad with false promises of employment, scholarships or training and then forced to fight for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. The ministry said it has received distress calls from Batswana already on the front line and warned the public to scrutinise overseas job offers.

The government said the phenomenon reflects transnational recruitment networks that target unemployed youth across Africa. A study cited by the ministry estimates more than 1,400 Africans have been recruited by Russia since early 2023, with over 300 fatalities. Botswana joined other African states—including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria—in condemning the practice and pledged cooperation with partner countries to dismantle illegal recruitment operations and protect its citizens.