The Botswana government says it is verifying information that two of its citizens, aged 19 and 20, fell victim to a deceptive recruitment process that resulted in them fighting on the frontlines of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The men were 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 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 foreign affairs department said.
The Botswana government cautioned its youth to be careful of dubious international recruitment schemes. “The youth are encouraged to remain vigilant and to engage relevant authorities, including Botswana diplomatic missions, to verify the authenticity of questionable recruitment proposals.” This comes after a group of South Africans were lured to Russia under the pretext of training before serving as security personnel for the MK Party and allegations that young women were being lured to work at a factory that makes drones.
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