The Gambian government has raised “grave concern” over reports that some of its citizens are traveling abroad to participate in armed conflicts, following investigations revealing that the Russian army has recruited several African nationals.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Information said it had learned that some Gambians had gone abroad with the intention of enlisting in foreign conflicts, and that some had tragically lost their lives. The statement did not specifically mention Ukraine but cautioned citizens against engaging in armed hostilities overseas.
Multiple media reports, including an AFP investigation earlier this month, have shown that Russia has lured men from African countries with promises of well-paid civilian jobs, only to force them into combat on the front lines.
Several African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, have also voiced alarm over the fate of their citizens recruited by Moscow. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, revealed in November that at least 1,436 individuals from 36 African countries had been identified among Russian forces.
“The Government strongly urges all Gambian citizens to refrain from traveling abroad for the purpose of taking part in armed hostility,” the statement concluded.
