05/05/2026
Delighted to have presented INPACT’s latest findings on the recruitment of African nationals into the Russian army and military-industrial complex in a closed-door discussion co-organized by the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and hosted at the .
This was a rich and forward-looking discussion with experts and partners, highlighting the global scale and evolving nature of these recruitment practices — from social media campaigns to deceptive job and study pathways.
A particularly fruitful working session, where we explored practical avenues for action: strengthening regulation, improving protection for affected individuals, and disrupting recruitment networks.
The report notably explores:
🔹The scale and geography of recruitment across Africa and beyond
🔹The tactics and channels used — from social media campaigns to recruitment agencies
🔹The blurred lines between voluntary enlistment, coercion, and human trafficking
🔹The role of intermediaries, influencers, and transnational networks
🔹The human rights and security implications for individuals, communities, and states
One key finding: what may appear as employment or study opportunities can, in many cases, lead to exploitation, coercion, and deployment to the front lines.
This is not an isolated phenomenon — it is systemic, adaptive, and global.
We hope this research contributes to a more informed and coordinated international response.
👉 Our report: https://alleyesonwagner.org/2026/02/11/the-business-of-despair/
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