The Gambia expressed its “deep concern” on Friday, February 20 regarding its nationals leaving abroad with the “intention of enrolling and participating in armed conflicts”, as revelations continue in several African countries where men are being sent to war on behalf of Moscow.
The Gambian government “has learned with deep concern that some Gambian citizens are traveling abroad with the intention of enrolling and participating in ongoing armed conflicts,” said a statement from the Ministry of Information.
It stated that it has information indicating that a number of its nationals “have tragically lost their lives in these conflicts”. “The government unequivocally declares that it does not support or allow any Gambian citizen to engage in foreign conflicts.
“Individuals who choose to go to conflict zones and participate in combat do so at their own risk and under their full responsibility,” the document added.
Reports have recently emerged about Africans forcibly recruited by Russia under false pretenses to fight on the Ukrainian front. Several African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have recently expressed alarm over the fate of their nationals recruited by Moscow.
The phenomenon is also beginning to stir controversy in Uganda, a country close to Russia that has so far avoided any criticism of Moscow, and where testimonies are starting to emerge. Kiev said in November that it had identified at least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries among the Russian ranks.
