Botswana’s government has launched an investigation into reports that two young men were allegedly deceived into fighting in the Russia‑Ukraine war under the guise of military training in Russia.
The Ministry of International Relations said Monday it was working through diplomatic channels and law enforcement to verify the authenticity of the reports and establish the whereabouts of the 19‑ and 20‑year‑old Batswana.
“The ministry wishes to inform the public that it has received reports concerning two male Batswana youth, aged 19 and 20 years, who allegedly fell victim and succumbed to a deceptive recruitment process that resulted in them fighting on the frontlines of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine armed conflict,” the ministry said in a statement.
It said that the duo was allegedly “led to believe they would participate in a short-term military school training programme in Russia.”
“In light of these accounts, the ministry, through diplomatic channels and in consultation with law enforcement authorities, is actively engaged in this matter to ascertain the authenticity of the reports and establish the whereabouts and condition of the two young men to facilitate their repatriation.”
The ministry cautioned citizens against falling victim to “dubious, life‑threatening international recruitment schemes” that promise monetary benefits for combat participation, urging youth to consult diplomatic missions to verify suspicious offers.
“The youth are encouraged to remain vigilant and to engage relevant authorities, including Botswana Diplomatic Missions, to verify the authenticity of questionable recruitment proposals.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Botswana’s proactive stance, noting that Russia has systematically recruited foreign nationals, particularly from Africa, since launching its full‑scale invasion in 2022.
These schemes, often disguised as training or employment opportunities, have drawn young men and women into frontline combat.
“This recruitment process, which requires the conclusion of formal contracts and direct interaction with Russia’s Ministry of Defence or the General Staff, clearly demonstrates the involvement of Russian state institutions,” the Ukrainian ministry said.
It said the practices “cannot be characterized as isolated criminal acts or the work of unauthorized intermediaries.”
“They constitute an organized and systematic policy implemented by the Russian state apparatus as part of an aggressive war against Ukraine, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and fundamental human rights norms.”
It urged African governments to remain vigilant and issue public warnings to prevent further cases.
Botswana’s investigation comes amid growing concern over the exploitation of African youth in foreign conflicts, with analysts warning that deceptive recruitment campaigns pose both humanitarian and diplomatic challenges for the continent.
In one of the most recent cases, several South Africans were allegedly lured to Russian under the guise of undertaking bodyguard training. The case has sucked in the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
JN/APA