African leaders attending the Russia-Africa summit must call on the Russian authorities to immediately end the coercive and deceptive recruitment of African nationals into Russia’s military forces to fight against Ukraine, Amnesty International’s African section directors said in an
open letter
ahead of the summit, which takes place from 28 to 29 October in Moscow.
“For African leaders to remain silent on this issue would be a profound disservice to the people of their countries. We urge them to address this issue directly with the Russian authorities at the Russia-Africa Summit 2026 and call on Russia to take immediate steps to end these practices, which in many cases amount to trafficking — a crime under international law,” said directors of Amnesty International’s sections across Africa.
“At a moment when many African governments are speaking up about the enduring legacy of colonialism, and the importance of sovereignty and African agency in international affairs, they must reject any practice that treats nationals of African countries as a commodity for other countries’ political and military objectives.”
For African leaders to remain silent on this issue would be a profound disservice to the people of their countries. We urge them to address this issue directly with the Russian authorities at the Russia-Africa Summit 2026 and call on Russia to take immediate steps to end these practices, which in many cases amount to trafficking — a crime under international law.
Amnesty International’s Section Directors across Africa
“African leaders must demand investigations and prosecutions for all acts of trafficking in persons involving state officials or others acting with the acquiescence of the Russian authorities.”
At a moment when many African governments are speaking up about the enduring legacy of colonialism, and the importance of sovereignty and African agency in international affairs, they must reject any practice that treats nationals of Afric
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