Anti-Russian Sentiment Is Growing In Africa

• 15.03.2026, 21:38

Because of the recruitment of mercenaries for the war against Ukraine.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi will visit Moscow next week to persuade Russian authorities to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens. This is according to Reuters, noting that the diplomat is under pressure domestically, but like other African governments, Nairobi is unlikely to engage in an open confrontation with Russia.

In recent weeks, there have been reports of African nationals being recruited into the Russian army, which has suffered significant losses during four years of war. People are often lured through third countries, offering high-paying civilian jobs.

The actions are causing resentment in countries such as Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. Families have urged governments to be more proactive in returning their citizens home, but African states have sought to avoid open conflict with Moscow amid the war in Ukraine.

The Kenyan minister has stressed that his country wants the recruitment of citizens to stop, but is "pragmatic and realistic" in recognizing Russia's status as a "superpower" and given its long-standing relationship with it.

According to Ukraine, more than 1,700 Africans are fighting on Russia's side, although analysts believe the figure could be higher. According to a Kenyan intelligence report, more than 1,000 citizens of that country alone have been recruited. In February, Ghana claimed more than 50 of its citizens died after they were "lured into combat." Russia, meanwhile, denies illegally recruiting Africans.

Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the country maintains diplomatic relations with Russia, but in cases where citizens are duped or drawn into war, his government will "speak out directly and act." At the same time, as Reuters notes, most African states are likely to take a more cautious stance, as South Africa is doing.