Russia is enticing African women to assemble drones.
Russian military frequently employs Shahed drones against Ukraine, resulting in numerous fatalities and damage. Most of these flying machines are either shot down or crash uncontrolled. However, a disturbing trend has been observed where some of these drones successfully carry out their destructive missions. The source of these drones can be traced back to a strange recruitment process in Russia.
Approximately 200 women from African nations are reportedly assembling these drones in Russia. They were lured by enticing social media advertisements that promised a free flight ticket, financial compensation, and an exhilarating adventure. Upon arrival in the Russian region of Tatarstan, these women discovered that they were actually supposed to work in a war weapons factory.
Instead of participating in hospitality or catering training programs as promised, these women were forced into assembling drones manufactured in Iran. These drones are then deployed against Ukraine.
In interviews, some of these women spoke about their long working hours, constant monitoring, unfulfilled wage promises, and exaggerated promises about their field of study. They also reported working with corrosive chemicals that resulted in scarring and itching.
Production in a Special Economic Zone
In an attempt to combat wartime labor shortages, the Russian government has been recruiting young women between the ages of 18 and 22 from nations like Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, and even Sri Lanka. This recruitment campaign is being expanded to other Asian and Latin American locations.
It was uncovered that a significant portion of Russia's weapon production is being handled by around 200 African women, working alongside young Russian students. In fact, some of these students are as young as 16 years old. This production takes place in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, which is approximately 1000 kilometers east of Moscow.
Extortion allegations against Russia, where they lure individuals into the Ukrainian war with deceptive promises, are not unheard of. For instance, Sri Lanka has requested the return of its citizens who were tricked into participating in the frontline. Similar reports have emerged from India and Cuba.
The Commission launched an investigation into the recruitment practices of Russian military contractors, finding evidence of deceptive advertisements luring women from African nations. These women were promised opportunities in hospitality or catering, but were instead forced to assemble Shahed drones in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone.
In response to these allegations, The Commission urged international organizations to address this issue, urging a ban on the use of forced labor in weapon production and calling for human rights protections for these women.
