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South African President Acknowledges Putin’s Role in Repatriating Citizens from Russia-Ukraine Conflict
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly conveyed his sincere appreciation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of South African nationals who were reportedly enticed into participating in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Current Status of Repatriated South Africans
According to an official statement from the South African presidency, out of 17 men believed to have been deceived into joining Russian-affiliated mercenary groups, 15 have either already returned or are in the process of returning to South Africa. Four individuals arrived last week, with another 11 expected imminently. Two remain in Russia as repatriation efforts continue.
Background: Calls for Help from Donbas Region
In November, the South African government disclosed that it had received urgent distress signals from these men, who reported being trapped in the Donbas area of eastern Ukraine. They were allegedly lured by false promises, which led to their involvement in the conflict under misleading pretenses.
Presidential Gratitude and Diplomatic Cooperation
“President Ramaphosa extends his profound thanks to President Putin, who responded affirmatively to requests for assistance in securing the safe return of these citizens,” the presidency’s release stated.
Ongoing Investigations into Recruitment Practices
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the recruitment of these men into mercenary roles. South African law strictly forbids citizens from engaging in foreign military service without official government approval.
Context: Foreign Fighters in the Russia-Ukraine War
The conflict, which escalated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has attracted combatants from various countries, including numerous African nations. Ukrainian sources have reported identifying over 1,400 individuals from 36 African countries among Russian forces.
Reports of Deceptive Recruitment Across Africa
Investigative journalism has uncovered multiple instances of misleading recruitment tactics in Africa. For example, Kenyan citizens have reported being promised lucrative overseas employment, only to find themselves conscripted into military roles in Russia, highlighting a broader pattern of exploitation.
Political Repercussions Within South Africa
The situation has sparked political debate domestically. Notably, a daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma resigned from parliament amid allegations of involvement in recruitment activities. Local media have also suggested that some of the men were sent to Russia for security training linked to the MK party, historically associated with Zuma’s leadership from 2009 to 2018.
Government Commitment to Citizen Safety and Accountability
The South African government remains committed to thoroughly investigating these incidents while prioritizing the safe return of all remaining nationals involved.
