Young African dreamers confronting devastation on the battlefields of the Russo-Ukrainian war

In a startling turn of events, two Togolese students, Dosseh Koulekpato and Malick Diop, found themselves in the midst of a recruitment controversy while studying in Russia.

According to reports, both students joined the Russian army under suspicious circumstances. Malick Diop, a 25-year-old Senegalese student, was captured by the army in April 2025, while Dosseh Koulekpato, a 27-year-old Togolese student, was captured by Ukrainian troops in February of the same year.

Dosseh Koulekpato claimed that he signed a contract to join the Russian army without fully understanding it, as it was written in Russian. Malick Diop, on the other hand, joined the army due to a lack of means to finance his trip to Germany.

The Togolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively working to shed light on Dosseh Koulekpato's situation and provide necessary support. The ministry has also encouraged citizens to conduct further research into the authenticity of scholarship offers before proceeding. They advise citizens to contact the relevant authorities or ministries, notably the Ministry of Further Education and Research, to obtain reliable and secure information before leaving for any country, especially Russia.

The Martin Luther King Movement (MMLK) in Togo has called on the Togolese government to take charge of Dosseh Koulekpato's case. The Ukrainian government, through United24, a platform set up in 2022 to collect relief funds and distribute information, has also been notified about Dosseh Koulekpato's capture and detention.

The allegations against the recruitment of Togolese students under the guise of scholarships offered by organisations claiming to be based in Russia are not new. Both Bloomberg and the Kyiv Independent published articles alleging this practice in 2025. Le Monde newspaper and the BBC have also confirmed cases regarding Dosseh Koulekpato and Malick Diop.

Russian officials have been accused of manipulating the process of renewing expired visas for foreign nationals, offering to sort out all issues if they agree to go and fight on the Ukrainian front. This practice, if true, could potentially put thousands of Togolese students at risk, as thousands try to leave their country each year in the hope of a second chance, even if it means settling in a war-torn country.

In response, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is illegal to recruit volunteers, mercenaries, and foreign fighters on Senegalese territory. The Togolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also recommends that citizens, especially young people, wanting to pursue studies abroad be very vigilant.

This incident serves as a stark reminder for Togolese citizens to exercise caution when considering opportunities abroad, especially when it comes to scholarships or job offers. It is essential to verify the authenticity of such offers and to seek advice from reliable sources before making any decisions.

Young African dreamers confronting devastation on the battlefields of the Russo-Ukrainian war