- Larry Madowo reported on the experiences of Africans who joined the fight for Russia in Ukraine, after reports of deception and casualties
- Hundreds of young men reportedly endured harsh conditions and sometimes went unpaid while participating in the conflict
- A Tanzanian soldier spoke about his service, clarifying the salary situation and disputing claims of coercion or mistreatment
CNN journalist Larry Madowo has shared the salary of an African fighting for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
Source: Facebook
The journalist investigated reports that hundreds of young Africans from countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and others have lost their lives in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Lured by false promises of well-paid civilian jobs or security roles, they were coerced into military contracts upon arrival and deployed as frontline infantry with minimal training.
Reports indicated tens of Africans had been killed while serving as disposable forces amid heavy casualties.
Families now desperately search for missing sons amid reports of deception, unpaid wages, and battlefield horrors.
What’s the salary of Africans fighting in Russia?
On Tuesday, February 17, Larry shared a video of a Tanzanian fighting the war. The clip showed the man walking in a snow-covered forest.
The soldier sought to debunk the reports on the conditions on the frontlines, as well as non-payment.
“The stories you are hearing are lies. I have received my salary. People are well paid.”
The Tanzanian said he was willing to remain on the battlefield.
“I am thinking about my contract renewal for another year. In any job, there are challenges. Even back home in Africa, one could die.”
The man said he had lived in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other areas in the Middle East and could not earn that much money.
“The uniform is great. I don’t know what people are saying. No one was forced to sign contracts. Before coming, you had to send a video saying you wanted you would like to join the Russian military.”
In the caption, Larry shared the huge sum of money the fighter said he was paid.
“This Tanzania said he was paid $35,000 (KSh 4.5 million) to fight for Russia and is paid $3,000 (KSh 380,000) monthly. But he has seen many people die.”
Larry then shared an update on the matter, saying:
“I’ve received hundreds of messages asking me to connect them to the Russian army. I’m not a recruiter or an agent. Please stop asking me.
I’ve also received hundreds of messages from families who have lost their sons in the Ukraine war but are unable to retrieve their bodies. I’m afraid I can’t help with that either.”
What did Kenyans say about fighting for Russia?
Many social media users said the reward was worth the risk:
Sebastian Dee King:
“How can I join? I want to change Kenya.”
Nicholas Korir:
“It is good money, it’s worth the risk.”
Kefa Lakasia Wanyonyi:
“Who has the recruitment link?”
Oxy James: “He’s being used to paint a different picture.”
Tony Sungu Mac’Agwambo:
“50 Cent once said get rich or die trying.”
What did Tanzanian woman tell Larry Madowo?
Source: Instagram
In other news, , shared an encounter with a Tanzanian woman named Jane at the airport, which delighted many online.
Thousands of social media users showed support by changing their profile pictures to his photo, praising his efforts to highlight African stories, despite government criticism.
The meeting captured a warm exchange, leaving viewers charmed and expressing admiration for the journalist.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
