The Ministry Foreign Affairs has announced that it has received reports concerning two male Batswana youth, aged nineteen and twenty years, who allegedly fell victim and succumbed to a deceptive recruitment process that resulted in them fighting on the frontlines of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine armed conflict. In a statement,  the Ministry said: “The reports allege that the duo were led to believe they would participate in a short-term military school training programme in Russia.”  

“The reports allege that the duo were 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 actively 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 Ministry wishes to caution Batswana youth against falling victim to dubious, life-threatening international recruitment schemes, including those that offer monetary benefits in exchange for participation in combat activities. The youth are encouraged to remain vigilant and to engage relevant authorities, including Botswana Diplomatic Missions, to verify the authenticity of questionable recruitment proposals.”