The government of Togo has broken its silence following the arrest of a Togolese student in Ukraine, reportedly captured while fighting alongside Russian forces. In a statement released this week, Togo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of fraudulent scholarship schemes that have been drawing young Africans into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict under false pretenses.
According to the ministry, several Togolese youths have been misled by offers of academic scholarships allegedly from Russian-based institutions. Upon arriving in Russia, however, these individuals have found themselves diverted from educational paths and, in some cases, recruited into military activity on the front lines.
“The ministry is working closely with diplomatic partners to shed full light on the situation and, where possible, to provide assistance to those affected,” the official communiqué states.
The warning comes as the war in Ukraine shows no signs of a lasting ceasefire, and concerns mount over the recruitment of foreign nationals—particularly from African nations—into the ranks of Russia’s armed forces, often under deceptive or coercive circumstances.
Togolese authorities are urging all citizens, especially students seeking opportunities abroad, to exercise extreme caution. They recommend verifying the legitimacy of any international scholarship offers through official government channels, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education.
The situation in Togo echoes a growing pattern across parts of Africa, where economic hardship and limited access to quality education make young people vulnerable to exploitation through seemingly attractive opportunities abroad. International observers and human rights organizations have called for increased scrutiny of cross-border student programs and more proactive protections from governments and foreign embassies.
As investigations continue, the Togolese government has pledged to remain vigilant and responsive, signaling the potential for further regional collaboration to address the issue.
African students lured into Russia-Ukraine war: Togo issues official warning
