Some African leaders have voiced concern that Russia may be deploying ex-convicts as mercenary forces to Africa, a move that could lead to an increase in violent crime rates across the continent. The concern stems from reports that many of the Russian mercenary forces currently being deployed to Africa were ex-convicts initially recruited to fight on the Ukrainian front.
Multiple sources have speculated that Russia may be relocating these convicts to Africa to prevent their return to the Kremlin. This move could further escalate violence in Africa as the Russian mercenary forces have been accused of human rights abuses and exploitation of Africa’s mineral resources.
Russia’s Post-War Dilemma
According to a professor from Anta Diop University in Dakar, Russia is facing a critical challenge in handling these former prisoners after the Kremlin enacted laws allowing prisoners to fight in exchange for avoiding trial.
Speaking to the Polish Press Agency, Professor Amadou Diouf from Cheikh emphasized that months spent fighting haven’t rehabilitated anyone. “These criminals have only become more dangerous,” he said.
He explained that with the war in Ukraine winding down, African communities are concerned that Moscow may relocate these fighters to avoid reintegrating them into Russian society.
“Their return is feared by the residents of their home villages and cities,” Diouf told the Polish Press Agency, citing concerns over the crimes many of these individuals have committed.
A report by Fahad Mirza from the Centre for Human Rights Research revealed that members of the Wagner Group fighters in Ukraine were ex-prisoners recruited by the Kremlin. At the height of their operations in 2023, the report revealed that an estimated 50,000 convicts were recruited in the war against Ukraine.
Mirza warns that these Russian mercenary groups could evolve into full-scale terrorist organizations, further destabilizing regions where they already operate.
The Wagner Group have been integrated into mercenary forces operating in Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Niger, the Central African Republic, and Mozambique.
