WARNING! Kenyans are being lured to Russia with false promises and sent to war in Ukraine!
Dear Alumni of the AKI Internship Program,
Dear Young People of Kenya,
In recent weeks, we have read an increasing number of reports in the mass media about young Africans, including young Kenyans, being recruited into the Russian army and sent to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine. These young people are promised jobs in Russia in factories or agriculture with good remuneration.
Upon their arrival in Russia, their passports are confiscated, and after only a few days of military training they are sent to the front line in Ukraine, to so-called “meat assaults,” where they are often killed quickly. Russian army officers reportedly treat Africans as second-rate, expendable human material and send them on the most dangerous assignments, including suicide missions.
A video recently posted by Ukrainian Foreign Ministry advisor Anton Gerashchenko shows an African man with a land mine attached to his body being violently forced by Russian soldiers to advance toward Ukrainian positions. According to Ukrainian military authorities, most African recruits are killed within one month of their arrival in Russia.
What to do to avoid becoming a victim of war
- Avoid Russian recruiters and do not sign any documents with Russian authorities that promise you a job in Russia. Do not allow yourself to be lured to Russia, regardless of what you are promised.
- If you are planning to go abroad for work or a traineeship, use only the services of reputable international organizations that officially cooperate with Kenyan colleges, universities, and authorities. If you are unsure which organization to choose, consult your local authorities or the police.
- If you have already been sent to the front line, surrender to Ukrainian forces at the first possible opportunity. This may be the only chance to save your life.
Please share this information with your friends and colleagues — it may save lives.