African leaders attending the ongoing Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow have been urged by Amnesty International to press the Russian government to end the alleged recruitment of African nationals into its military to fight in the war against Ukraine.
The human rights organisation, in an open letter issued ahead of the summit holding from October 28 to 29, said African leaders should raise the issue directly with Russian authorities and demand immediate action to stop what it described as deceptive and coercive recruitment practices.
“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 said.
The organisation said African governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens from exploitation, especially at a time when many countries on the continent are advocating sovereignty, self-determination and freedom from external influence.
“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,” the directors added.
Amnesty also called on African leaders to push for accountability over any trafficking-related offences.
“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,” the organisation said.
The appeal comes as the Russia-Africa Summit brings together leaders from across the continent to discuss trade, security, diplomacy and other areas of cooperation with Russia.
In a briefing published on September 10, 2026, Amnesty International alleged that Russian authorities recruited people from several African countries through deception, coercion and the exploitation of economic hardship before sending them to fight in Ukraine.
According to the organisation, many of those recruited had little or no choice after arriving in Russia, with some ending up in active combat far from their home countries.
The rights group said African leaders should use the summit to seek stronger protection for their citizens and ensure that no African is exploited for foreign military objectives.
