The war in Ukraine has had a ripple effect across the globe, and Africa is no exception. While African nations themselves have remained largely neutral, a growing number of Africans are finding themselves fighting on both sides of the conflict.
The brutal war in Ukraine has had a ripple effect far beyond Europe’s borders, impacting Africa in a complex and often unseen way. While African nations themselves have remained largely neutral in the conflict, a growing number of Africans are being drawn into the fight, some for idealistic reasons and others out of desperation.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen the involvement of African mercenaries, with both sides recruiting fighters from the continent.
Official figures suggest over 200 Africans have joined the Ukrainian forces, while estimates indicate more than a thousand have enlisted with Russia. These individuals, often referred to as soldiers of fortune, were enticed by promises of substantial payments and potential citizenship post-conflict.
Lured by Promises, Africans Enlist as Mercenaries
Driven by economic hardship and the promise of hefty payments and even citizenship, hundreds of Africans have been recruited as mercenaries. Ukraine, facing a manpower shortage, has appealed to foreign fighters, including Africans. Russia, with its long history of military involvement in Africa, is also believed to have recruited heavily from the continent, particularly through the Wagner Group, a notorious private military company.
On one hand, both Ukraine and Russia have sought to recruit fighters from Africa. Ukraine, facing a manpower shortage early in the war, made a global appeal for volunteers. This call resonated with some young Africans facing bleak economic prospects at home. The promise of high pay and even Ukrainian citizenship after the war proved tempting for many.
A Risky Gamble
However, the reality of war is far from the rosy picture painted for potential recruits. News reports of captured or killed African fighters on social media highlight the dangers involved. Many may not have fully understood the brutality of war or the long-term consequences of fighting in a foreign conflict.
Social Media Reveals Grim Reality
While the exact numbers remain unclear, reports indicate hundreds of Africans have enlisted for Ukraine, while estimates suggest thousands may be fighting for Russia. Images of captured or dead African fighters circulating on social media paint a grim picture.
Social media has surfaced images of captured or deceased African mercenaries, sparking debates on the extent of African participation in the war. Despite the official neutral stance of African nations, these mercenaries are acting independently, without any African country officially deploying troops to support either side. The motivations for these African soldiers of fortune vary, with some seeking financial gain or citizenship, while others may have been coerced into service.
Complexities of African Involvement
The reasons for African involvement are varied. Some, like Gomesh Richard Ferreira, a Ukrainian soldier with Angolan roots, fight for the country they call home. Others, like Jean Claude Sangwa, a student in the breakaway Luhansk region, are caught in the middle and forced to take sides. Still others, like Kimanzi Nashon from Kenya, are motivated by the hope of financial gain.
Russia via it’s news outlet Sputnik last November confirmed that a young Nigeria “came to fight against Ukraine and took the Russian name of Vanka.” It is currently uncertain if “Vanka” is still alive.
The situation underscores the broader impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on Africa. In 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to pro-democracy nations for support, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noting that around 20,000 volunteers worldwide had expressed interest in joining the fight. This call to arms resonated with hundreds of Africans from countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Algeria, driven partly by the desire to improve their prospects.
In Nigeria, for instance, many gathered at the Ukrainian embassy in Abuja, eager to enlist, although officials clarified that Africans were not being paid to fight and would need to cover their travel expenses to Europe. Senegal and Algeria responded by warning their citizens against participating and declared such recruitment efforts illegal. South Africa’s stringent anti-mercenary laws further complicate the situation.
Last week, Ukraine announced that five Zimbabwean mercenaries are fighting for Ukraine, according to latest data released by the Russia Defence ministry, with one said to have since been killed on the battle field.
But the figure could be more, reaching even 10, according to security sources, with three of them said to be former soldiers back home in Zimbabwe. A total of 249 mercenaries from 14 countries in Africa arrived in Ukraine since the war began two years ago, with 103 having been killed. Nigeria tops the list with 97, followed by Algeria with 60 and South Africa with 35. Zimbabwe and South Africa are the only countries in southern Africa with mercenaries operating in Ukraine.
Coercion or Choice?
While some Africans volunteered for financial gain, the situation isn’t entirely black and white. There are concerns that some may have been coerced or misled into fighting. More information is needed to understand the full extent of this issue.
At the Media Center Ukraine, a briefing was held with the participation of captured mercenaries who shared their stories of how they ended up on the front lines.
“They were thrown in like cannon fodder because they weren’t trained. Some of them were deceived, meaning they were promised one thing, but in reality, it turned out to be completely different,” a representative of the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War Petro Yatsenko said.
Unease Grows as War Affects Africa. Uneasy Neutrality
African nations have largely refrained from taking sides in the war. This neutrality stems partly from a desire to avoid antagonizing Russia, a country that has been cultivating ties with African leaders and providing military support in several conflict zones. Some African countries also harbor anti-Western sentiment due to the legacy of colonialism.
This trend of African mercenaries highlights how the war in Europe can have devastating consequences far beyond the battlefield. African nations, already grappling with socio-economic challenges, are now facing the loss of young men and the potential for further instability.
The abstention of 17 African countries, including Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, from the UN vote condemning Ukraine’s invasion reflects a cautious approach to avoid antagonizing Russia. The Kremlin has warned that any nation aiding Ukraine could face diplomatic repercussions. Russia’s influence in Africa, bolstered by historical ties and the 2019 Russian-African summit, is evident, with some support stemming from anti-Western sentiment linked to colonial legacies. Videos have even emerged showing Central African Republic soldiers expressing solidarity with Russia.
The Human Cost of War
The war in Ukraine has not only devastated Europe but also claimed the lives of Africans who became entangled in its web. While the exact number of African casualties remains unclear, it’s evident that this war has a human cost that extends far beyond the immediate battlefield.
This complex web of motivations and geopolitical dynamics highlights the multifaceted ways in which the Russian-Ukraine war affects Africa and its people, revealing a narrative that extends far beyond the battlefield.