Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, announced that Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan nationals to fight in Ukraine following talks in Moscow.
The deal comes after reports that over 1,000 Kenyans had been lured with promises of civilian jobs but forced into combat. So far, 27 Kenyans have been repatriated, with authorities providing psychological care and “de-radicalization” support. Mudavadi is also seeking easier repatriation for those who wish to return and negotiating broader labor agreements with Russia.
The move follows public pressure and concerns over human trafficking networks allegedly involved in recruitment. The BBC writes:
Kenya’s foreign minister says Russia has agreed to stop deploying Kenyan nationals to fight in the war in Ukraine, after talks in Moscow. […]
Some Kenyans have said they were lured to fight for Russia with promises of well‑paid civilian jobs, only to find themselves forced into fighting in Ukraine,
Mudavadi is also seeking the repatriation of Kenyans who wish to return home. […]
Ukrainian intelligence assessment estimates that more than 1,700 people from 36 countries in Africa have been recruited to fight for Russia. […]
Read more here.
