President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of most of the group of 17 South Africans after they were reportedly misled into joining fighting forces on the front lines in Ukraine.
According to the BBC, Ramaphosa’s office confirmed that four of them had returned last Friday, 11 others would be “on their way home soon” and another two at a later stage.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a statement that President Cyril Ramaphosa had spoken with Vladimir Putin regarding the situation.
“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin, who responded positively to his request to support the process of returning the men home,” Magwenya said.
Africans targeted across the continent
Ukrainian authorities and independent investigations suggest that African nationals from at least three dozen countries – including Ghana, Cameroon, Botswana, Tanzania and others, have been identified among forces fighting for Russia, with some confirmed dead, hospitalized, or missing.
The phenomenon highlights a troubling mix of economic desperation, deceptive recruitment practices, and exploitation of young Africans seeking opportunity abroad.
Governments across the continent are increasingly warning their citizens against such schemes, while diplomatic engagements seek to bring those already ensnared home safely.
