Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The government has confirmed the deaths of nine Gambian citizens in operations linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, while a recent investigation that claimed at least 26 Gambians had been killed after being recruited into the conflict. While countries such as Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana account for the largest numbers, the database in the investigation identifies 56 Gambians recruited since 2023.
Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided the government’s update during a press conference, saying the figures were based on information from The Gambia’s diplomatic mission in Moscow and remained subject to further verification.
“This is just an update. According to the reports we received from our mission, so far, nine Gambian citizens have been confirmed dead. The reports are not yet conclusive, and they are working with the Russian side to establish whether the figure was higher,” he said.
Njie’s comments follow a report by INPACT, an international association of independent accounting and advisory firms, which alleged that at least 26 Gambians were killed after being recruited into Russia’s military campaign.
The investigation described what it called a systematic effort targeting vulnerable African youth with promises of lucrative salaries, fast-tracked citizenship, and economic opportunity, offers that often ended in death on the battlefield.
The promise is straightforward: monthly salaries ranging from $2,000 to $2,500, fast-tracked Russian citizenship, and a pathway out of poverty.
However, Njie cautioned that the government could not independently confirm the higher figure.
He added that authorities were engaging Russian officials to secure support, including the possible repatriation of the remains of the deceased.
“We are working with the Russian side to make sure that support can be done, including whether we can have the remains of the citizens so that they can be repatriated to The Gambia,” he said.
The minister also clarified that while the deaths were linked to military operations, the government could not definitively state whether the individuals were killed on the front line.
Government Not Involved in Russia Recruitment Scheme
Most Gambians who end up in the conflict initially travel to Russia on legal visas, including visitor or student permits, before enlisting in the military, the minister explained.
“It becomes very complicated. People just travel and end up getting into these operations, and then the government is not informed,” Njie said.
He noted that Gambians have also enlisted on the Ukrainian side of the conflict, highlighting the global nature of recruitment by both warring parties.
Describing the war as a volatile and dangerous environment, Njie urged Gambians, particularly those without military training, to avoid joining foreign armed forces.
“This is a real war scenario. If you go out there, you will be deployed to the front. You are not going there to play games,” he warned.
The government, he said, continues to engage both Russian and Ukrainian authorities to discourage the recruitment of Gambian citizens and to seek clarity on reported deaths.
Njie also expressed condolences to the bereaved families, acknowledging the growing number of reports of Gambians losing their lives in the conflict.
The Russia-Ukraine war has increasingly drawn foreign recruits, including from Africa, amid reports of financial incentives offered to those willing to join the fighting. For many Gambian families, the promise of economic escape has instead brought tragedy and unanswered questions.
