19 Mar 2026

The Minister of International Relations has issued a strong warning to Batswana against accepting foreign military or security-related opportunities, as the government intensifies investigations into two citizens believed to have been recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict under unclear circumstances.

The caution reinforces a February advisory issued by the government, which warned of emerging recruitment schemes targeting young Africans with promises of employment and training abroad, particularly in regions affected by conflict.

The government confirmed that it first became aware of the matter on 17 November 2025, following reports that the two nationals may have been enlisted under contract and placed under the control of the Russian military.

To date, authorities say they have not received credible information confirming the status of the two men, with their exact whereabouts still unknown.

“Do not be misled.”

In a firm advisory, the Minister warned that offers of overseas training or employment, particularly those linked to security or military work, can conceal dangerous recruitment schemes.

“The information we have received suggests that the individuals were persuaded to travel under the pretext of training opportunities. We urge Batswana, especially young people, to exercise extreme caution and to verify any such offers through official channels,” the government stated.

The February statement had similarly cautioned citizens against engaging with unverified foreign recruiters, noting that such schemes often operate through informal networks, social media platforms, and intermediaries posing as legitimate agents.

Authorities emphasised that Botswana law strictly prohibits citizens from enlisting in foreign armies or participating in foreign wars, warning that such actions carry both legal and life-threatening consequences.

Potential trafficking case

The government is treating the matter as a potential case of human trafficking or unlawful recruitment, consistent with concerns raised earlier this year about the growing international trend of covert recruitment into conflict zones.

Records show that the two men travelled from Botswana to South Africa on 30 June 2025, before eventually making their way to Russia.

Diplomatic missions have since been placed on heightened alert, with specific instructions, first outlined in the February advisory, to prioritise cases involving possible trafficking or recruitment of Batswana into foreign conflicts.

Diplomatic pressure mounts

Botswana has engaged both Russia and South Africa at multiple levels in an effort to trace the missing nationals.

The Ministry confirmed that continuous diplomatic engagement with the Russian Government is underway, with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledging Botswana’s communication and indicating that it is still investigating the allegations.

At the same time, Botswana’s High Commission in Pretoria is working closely with South African authorities, including the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), to track the movements of the individuals and any networks involved.

Ministerial-level engagements between Botswana and South Africa are ongoing, with the government expressing appreciation for South Africa’s cooperation.

Presidency involved, families supported

The Presidency has been fully briefed and continues to receive regular updates from relevant agencies, with the Government confirming that high-level diplomatic engagements are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the families of the missing men are receiving psycho-social support, with the Government maintaining regular contact to provide updates as investigations progress.

Previous repatriation offers hope

In a related development, the Government confirmed that one Motswana citizen was successfully repatriated in December 2025, following coordinated efforts by the Botswana Embassy in Stockholm, which is accredited to Russia.

Authorities say this demonstrates that diplomatic channels remain critical in resolving such cases.

Strengthening prevention measures

Building on measures announced earlier this year, the Government has intensified efforts to prevent similar incidents.

Officials have urged the public to report any suspicious offers, particularly those targeting unemployed youth with promises of training or employment abroad.

Repatriation contingent on findings

The government reiterated that repatriation efforts will proceed once the whereabouts of the two men are established, adding that all diplomatic and legal channels are being pursued to secure their return.

As investigations continue, authorities say the case highlights a broader national concern that Batswana are increasingly being targeted by transnational recruitment networks linked to foreign conflicts, requiring heightened vigilance from both citizens and the state.ends