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South Africa’s government said Tuesday that 11 of 17 men who were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine are expected to return home soon, after four arrived in the country last week.
Two others remain in Russia, including one receiving treatment at a hospital in Moscow, according to a statement from the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The 17 men had sent distress messages to South African authorities last year in November after becoming trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
In a recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ramaphosa brought up the issue.
Reports have increased in recent months of African nationals being recruited with promises of employment in Russia but later deployed to the front lines in the war in Ukraine.
A Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers last week estimated that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia’s side.
Kenya’s foreign minister has said he plans to visit Russia to discuss the issue.
South Africa has maintained a non-aligned position on the conflict while keeping diplomatic ties with Moscow, a fellow member of the BRICS grouping.
Under South African law, citizens are prohibited from serving in foreign armed forces without government authorisation.
