A new report alleges African governments played a role in sending young women to Russian military-industrial zones.
An international investigation has implicated officials from at least seven African countries in facilitating the recruitment of young women for Russia’s arms industry.
The probe, conducted by ZAM and NAIRE, found that women aged 18–22 from over 15 nations were sent to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where they assembled drones for Russia’s war in Ukraine under harsh conditions.
The report alleges high-ranking politicians, ambassadors, and ministries in countries including Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya were complicit in the process.
In Cameroon, a ruling party member reportedly delivered 13 recruits and plans “a hundred more this year.” Similar efforts were promoted by diplomats in Moscow and supported by government websites.
Workers described strict surveillance, unsafe chemical exposure, and challenges returning home. Despite international warnings, recruitment continues. The report also noted links between Alabuga and military conscription for African men.