The government of The Gambia has expressed serious concern over reports that some of its citizens are participating in armed conflicts abroad, amid growing evidence that African nationals have been recruited to fight for foreign forces.
Authorities said they were particularly alarmed by reports suggesting that some Gambian citizens may have been lured into military engagements after being promised civilian employment opportunities. Investigative reports, including one published by AFP, have alleged that individuals from several African countries were enticed to travel with promises of lucrative jobs before being deployed to front-line combat.
In a statement released by the country’s Ministry of Information, the government said it had received “grave concern” over information indicating that some Gambians had travelled abroad with the intention of joining ongoing armed conflicts, adding that several nationals may have tragically lost their lives in such operations.
Although the statement did not specify the conflict zones involved, the development comes amid broader international reports linking recruitment activities to the war involving Russia and Ukraine.
African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, have also voiced concerns over the alleged recruitment and deployment of their citizens to foreign battlefields.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously stated that at least 1,436 individuals from 36 African countries had been identified among forces linked to Russian military ranks.
The Gambian government has therefore urged all citizens to avoid travelling abroad with the intention of participating in armed hostilities, warning that such actions expose individuals to serious risks and legal consequences.
