Zimbabwe is facing growing pressure to obtain firm assurances from Russia that its citizens will no longer be recruited into the country’s war against Ukraine, following similar diplomatic engagements by Ghana and Kenya.

The pressure comes as more African governments seek direct commitments from Moscow to stop the recruitment of their nationals, establish the whereabouts of missing citizens and facilitate the return of those already deployed to the battlefield.

According to a report by NewsDay, the recent diplomatic developments have increased scrutiny of Zimbabwe’s response to the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian military.

Zimbabwe’s position has attracted particular attention because President Emmerson Mnangagwa attended the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow from October 24 to 30, providing an opportunity for discussions with Russian officials. However, a report on the summit’s outcomes presented by the Zimbabwean government did not mention efforts to address the recruitment of Zimbabweans into the Russian military or secure the return of those affected.

Ghana secures commitment from Putin

Ghana has taken the issue directly to Moscow, with President John Mahama reportedly securing a commitment from Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ghanaians would no longer be recruited into the Russian military.

The assurance was obtained during discussions between the two leaders on October 30, on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit.

According to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, the commitment covers recruitment through irregular channels as well as voluntary enlistment. The announcement followed concerns raised by Mahama about Ghanaian citizens being drawn into the conflict.

Kenya has similarly secured an agreement with Russia to stop recruiting its citizens into the Russian armed forces.

President William Ruto announced the commitment after meeting Putin in Moscow on October 29. The agreement is intended to close recruitment channels that have led Kenyans to join the Russian military and become involved in the war against Ukraine.

The issue has become increasingly urgent for Kenyan authorities following reports of citizens being killed, going missing or being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

Zimbabwe faces pressure to protect its citizens

The diplomatic engagements by Ghana and Kenya have increased expectations that Zimbabwe will seek similar assurances from Moscow.

African governments are increasingly using direct negotiations to demand an end to the recruitment of their nationals, establish the whereabouts of those who have disappeared and arrange the return of citizens who no longer wish to participate in the conflict.

Zimbabwe’s response is under greater scrutiny as concerns grow over the involvement of its citizens in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The central issue is whether Harare will secure clear commitments from Moscow to prevent further recruitment and provide assistance to Zimbabweans already caught up in the conflict.