Botswana warns citizens against joining Russian military
Government says Batswana who enlist in foreign conflicts risk prosecution under the Foreign Enlistment Act.
Botswana's government has warned its citizens against knowingly joining the Russian military, stating that those who enlist risk prosecution upon their return. Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale informed Ntlo ya Dikgosi on Monday that some Batswana had been lured by job offers, while others travelled to Russia with the intention of military service.
Butale explained that voluntary involvement in foreign armed conflicts could violate Botswana’s Foreign Enlistment Act, which prohibits participation without lawful authority. He confirmed that 27 Batswana had been linked to Russian military recruitment since June 25, with eight intercepted before departure, four repatriated, and 15 still unaccounted for.
Authorities are concerned that some prospective recruits may be avoiding monitored travel routes, potentially using buses through Zambia to reach Russia. This makes interception more difficult for officials.
Why it mattersBotswana citizens who join foreign militaries face prosecution at home.