Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to safeguard its citizens after authorities revealed that 15 Zimbabweans have died after being lured abroad under false pretenses and forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Another 66 citizens remain overseas in similar circumstances.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protect Zimbabweans and hold those responsible accountable.
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“The president has instructed us to act urgently and decisively. We are tackling this issue on multiple fronts, from repatriating the deceased to dismantling the criminal networks exploiting our citizens,” Soda said during a press briefing in Harare.
Soda described this as part of a growing pattern in which Africans are recruited by third-party agents with promises of lucrative civilian jobs, only to be sent into conflict zones. “Those trading in the lives of our citizens for profit will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
The minister highlighted efforts to strengthen bilateral labor agreements with countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Poland, and Belarus, aimed at ensuring Zimbabweans work abroad under safe, regulated, and legally binding conditions. Existing agreements, like the teacher exchange program with Rwanda, serve as models for these initiatives.
“Strengthening these agreements is essential. We are working to guarantee that Zimbabweans abroad are employed under safe, fair, and legally binding conditions,” Soda added.
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