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As reported by RFI, many Africans have been drawn into the Russian ranks since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, often through deception and false promises.
Samuel, a Cameroonian who thought he was heading to Russia for work, became a soldier against his will. His story began in May 2024, when a friend encouraged him to pursue his dream of working abroad. Enticed by the promise of high wages, Samuel sold his belongings to fund the trip through an agency. Upon arrival, his life took a grim turn. Instead of the janitorial role he expected, he was handed a rifle and sent to a military training camp. Alongside Africans and other foreigners, he was pushed to the front lines of the Ukraine war, used as cannon fodder while Russian soldiers remained in safer positions.
Samuel recounts horrific conditions: no proper equipment, relentless drone attacks, and being forced to advance under threat of torture. He witnessed friends die, walked among rotting bodies, and narrowly escaped death himself. Despite reaching out to Cameroon’s embassy, his pleas were ignored, leading him to accuse authorities of complicity in human trafficking.
Today, Samuel speaks out, urging Africans to avoid falling for similar deceptions. “We are dying in a war we do not understand,” he says. Samuel’s voice is a stark warning to those considering these offers, exposing the harrowing reality behind false promises of opportunity.
Takeaway: This story highlights the urgent need for international attention to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the consequences of unchecked recruitment practices.
