African families’ heartbreak as young men trapped on Russian battlefields
Instead of celebrating her son’s birthday this month, Zimbabwean mother Rodwin Chitewere spent the day praying for his body to be brought home from Russia, where he was reportedly killed fighting Moscow’s war against Ukraine. In Botswana and South Africa, too, women are desperate for sons and husbands to return from a conflict many say they were duped into joining, as authorities warn recruiters…
In Zimbabwe, mother Rodwin Chitewere desperately prays for her son Tanaka Muzirikazi, who was reported killed in Russia, to be brought home for burial. Across Botswana and South Africa, women are pleading for their sons and husbands to return from a conflict they believe they were deceived into joining. Authorities warn that recruitment agents continue to target young men.
Chitewere's son left his remote village for Russia in April, believing he was destined for a car import agent job in Tanzania. However, upon arrival, he learned he was recruited into a military conflict. Similar stories echo across the continent, as many African families face economic hardships and seek better opportunities abroad.
In February, the All Eyes on Wagner collective reported over 1,400 Africans recruited by Moscow since January 2023, with more than 300 losing their lives. South Africa announced two citizens had died fighting in Russia and 15 repatriated in February, though others remained there. One South African soldier, inexperienced in combat, expressed fear upon witnessing explosions and drone attacks.
Another, who lost a leg in a drone strike, hopes for his return soon. In Botswana, a mother anxiously awaits news from her 20-year-old son, who went to Russia last year under false pretenses, allegedly connected to a former president's daughter. She fears he may be among the many who remain trapped in the Russian conflict, calling for government intervention and justice.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
