The Gambia expressed its “deep concern” on Friday, February 20th about its citizens who are leaving the country with the “intention of enlisting and participating in armed conflicts”. This comes as revelations emerge 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 enlisting and participating in ongoing armed conflicts,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Information.
It has received information indicating that a number of its citizens “have tragically lost their lives in these conflicts.” “The government unequivocally declares that it neither supports nor authorizes 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 adds.
Recent disclosures reveal Africans being 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 concern about the fate of their citizens recruited by Moscow.
The phenomenon is also beginning to stir in Uganda, a country close to Russia that has so far avoided any criticism of Moscow, where testimonies are starting to come in. In November, Kiev said it had identified at least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries in the ranks of Russian forces.
