Malawi Fails to Raise Deceptive Recruitment of Youth into Russia–Ukraine War at AU Summit

Malawi and other countries in the Southern African region failed to raise concerns about the alleged deceptive recruitment of African youth into the Russia–Ukraine war during the recent summit of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The silence came despite growing reports that young African men and women are being lured into the conflict through misleading job and scholarship offers linked to Russia. While countries from blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States and the East African Community reportedly raised strong concerns about the issue during discussions leading to the 39th AU Summit, Southern African countries did not publicly address the matter.

Because of this role, analysts say Malawi was well placed to push the issue at the continental level, including through the African Union Peace and Security Council. However, no official position on the matter emerged from the summit. Garry Simwaka, Executive Director of Young Freedom Fighters Malawi, described the silence as a missed opportunity.

“Africa could have united to petition Russia over these deceptive job and scholarship offers,” Simwaka said. He added that the region should have spoken with one voice. “Before the summit, the SADC Executive Secretary met Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda to discuss peace and security issues.

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But the focus was on Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, while the exploitation of our youth in the Russia–Ukraine war was ignored,” Simwaka said. According to analysts, the scheme reportedly draws recruits into facilities linked to the production of military drones for Russia’s war against Ukraine. Several African governments have already taken action.

Authorities in South Africa, Botswana and Kenya have engaged Russia to repatriate citizens believed to have been trapped or recruited into the conflict after reports emerged of African nationals dying while fighting for Russian forces. Last November, Ukraine’s foreign minister said more than 1,400 recruits from 36 African countries were fighting for Russia. Kyiv warned that such individuals would be treated as enemy combatants, with surrender as their only safe option.

Malawi recently announced that it plans to review all labour export arrangements, including potential deals with Russia and other European countries, in an effort to better protect its citizens. Blantyre-based security expert Dr. Sherrif Kaisi said labour migration can support development but warned that the risks are high when conflicts are involved.

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