Civil society organizations (CSOs) have slammed Malawi for failing to leverage its role as SADC Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation at the recently-held African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The country did not push for debate on the deceptive recruitment of young men and women into the Russia-Ukraine war when the leaders convened for a summit on February 11-15 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This omission clashed with urgent calls for African leaders to prioritize youth recruitment into war drone manufacturing or frontline combat.
Nations from other blocs—like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and East African Community (EAC)—raised strong concerns ahead of the 39th AU Summit and in foreign ministers’ meetings.
Political analysts say Malawi was uniquely positioned to lead in the conversation to protect Africa’s youth, some of whom have died fighting on behalf of Russia against Ukraine.
As chair of the peace and security organ since last year—a key body for regional stability and governance—it also represents SADC continentally, including with the AU Peace and Security Council. Yet the summit yielded nothing.
Renowned political and governance analyst Bright Mandowa called it a missed opportunity. “SADC should have spoken with one voice and put it on the table,” he said in an interview. “That could have united Africa to petition Russia over these deceptive job and scholarship offers.”
SADC’s website confirms the Executive Secretary met Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda before the summit to discuss peace and security—but focused solely on Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique, sidelining youth exploitation in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
So far, huge numbers of deaths of young African men killed at the battlefront keep emerging, with West Africa worst affected, while Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania have had casualties.
Reports also persist on Russia’s Alabuga Scheme, which lures women aged 18–22 via social media with fake work-study programs in hospitality, catering, or floristry.
Experts label it human trafficking and forced labor; Russia denies involvement in media statements.
Blantyre-based security expert Dr. Sherrif Kaisi views labor exports as a development tool but warns of risks.
“Even to war-torn areas like Russia and Ukraine, governments must tread carefully,” he said.
“Malawi’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Homeland Security should weigh benefits against risks,” Dr. Kaisi added.
He cautioned that returnees from conflict zones could threaten national security.
South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya have engaged Russia to repatriate trapped citizens after finding African nationals’ bodies among Russian forces.
Last November, Ukraine’s foreign minister reported 1,400+ recruits from 36 African countries fighting for Russia, warning they face enemy combatant status—surrender is the only safe way out.
Nigeria sounded alarms too. Premium Times reported two Nigerians killed in Ukraine after signing Russian contracts in mid- to late 2025.
A Kenyan intelligence report to parliament revealed 1,000 recruits via rogue officials and traffickers; 89 were on the front lines as of February.
Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi told the BBC that Nairobi closed 600 dubious agencies and repatriated 27 fighters for psychological care and de-radicalization.
In Malawi, four unidentified youths reportedly remain stuck in war-drone factories, despite official denials.
Opposition Leader Simplex Chithyola-Banda deflected: “Talk to government—it’s international relations”, while parliamentarian Joshua Malango welcomed raising it in Parliament, saying “Great, it’s important to question the deceptive recruitment.”
By Mavuto Kumwenda
