As African leaders gather in Addis Ababa for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, growing concern is mounting over reports that African men and women are being deceptively recruited into Russia’s war effort in Ukraine — a development critics say undermines the very principles of human rights, dignity and people-centred development enshrined in Agenda 2063.

The Summit, taking place from 11–15 February 2026 under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”, is expected to focus on water governance, peace and security, and socio-economic transformation.

However, human rights advocates argue that the trafficking of Africans into foreign military and arms-production roles deserves urgent attention at the continental level.

Recent investigations by international media and research institutions indicate that African men from dozens of countries have been lured to Russia with promises of civilian employment, only to be forcibly deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials estimate that more than 1,400 Africans are currently fighting for Russia, many without informed consent.

Parallel to this, young African women — some as young as 18 — have reportedly been recruited through the so-called Alabuga Start programme and trafficked to Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where they assemble military drones used in the Ukraine war. Human rights groups describe the conditions as exploitative and deceptive, amounting to human trafficking.

Against this backdrop, attention is turning to whether AU member states will raise the issue formally during Summit deliberations, particularly within discussions on peace and security, human rights, and youth and women’s empowerment.

Asked whether the matter should be tabled at the Summit, representative of the Civil Society Organisation (CSO), attending the meetings said African states have a responsibility to protect their citizens wherever they are.

“Agenda 2063 is explicit about human dignity, decent work and the protection of African people, especially women and youth. If Africans are being deceived into fighting wars or producing weapons abroad, then it is a matter that concerns the entire continent,” the representative said.

“This is not just a labour or migration issue — it is a human rights and security issue. The question is whether leaders are prepared to confront it collectively,” the representative added.

Observers say the Summit presents an opportunity for African governments to send a unified message that deceptive recruitment — whether into combat or military production — is unacceptable and incompatible with the AU’s development vision.