The Russian military has increased recruitment of mercenaries from Africa to support operations in Ukraine. Most recruits are from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Uganda. They are promised a sign-in bonus of $2,000 and a monthly allowance of $2,200, along with health insurance and Russian passports.
The Russian Africa Corps, created in 2023, consists of over 2,000 soldiers and officers working alongside Moscow’s regular army and Storm-Z units. Many have experience from the Wagner Group in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The UK Ministry of Defence reported seeing the Africa Corps fighting in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, suggesting resources from Africa are now being used in the war on Ukraine.
In the past, Moscow recruited mercenaries from Nepal, Somalia, India, and Cuba for its invasion of Ukraine.