MP Mwila urges govt to probe Alabuga recruitment scheme amid trafficking fears

MP Mwila urges govt to probe Alabuga recruitment scheme amid trafficking fear
By NATION REPORTER
MUFULIRA Central Member of Parliament Golden Mwila has called on Government to urgently investigate reports that Zambians, particularly young women between 18 and 22 years, may be at risk of being recruited into questionable programmes linked to Russia, amid growing international concern over alleged human trafficking.
The call comes shortly after Zambia took part in the Second Ministerial Summit of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, held in Cairo, Egypt, from December 19 to 20, 2025.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe at the invitation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The summit, the first of its kind to be held on African soil, followed the inaugural session held in Sochi in November 2024 and focused on strengthening cooperation between Africa and Russia, as well as dialogue on peace, security and global stability.
Commenting on the summit in a statement, the ministry said Zambia’s participation reflected its commitment to multilateralism, peaceful conflict resolution and the protection of national interests, while promoting diplomatic and economic cooperation.
However, Mr Mwila said these engagements should not overshadow serious concerns about the safety of Zambians allegedly being recruited into programmes linked to Russia’s war with Ukraine.
“I know Russia has been recruiting people from other countries to fight in its war, and many African governments have been very vocal and proactive in investigating and stopping such recruitment,” Mr Mwila said.
“The reported recruitment of Zambian girls under the Alabuga Start Programme demands an honest and thorough investigation, because lives are at risk.”
Mr Mwila urged the ministry to immediately establish whether any recruitment is taking place and to stop it, stressing that Zambia has no agreement with either Russia or Ukraine to supply manpower for the conflict.
The Alabuga Start Programme is linked to Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Tatarstan region and has been advertised as a work-and-training opportunity for young foreign women aged between 18 and 22, mainly in manufacturing and technology.
However, international media reports and investigations by human rights organisations have raised alarm over the programme, alleging that some recruits from Africa and Asia were subjected to harsh working conditions, strict supervision and limited freedom of movement. There are also claims that some facilities are connected to military-linked production, raising fears that recruits may have been drawn into Russia’s war effort under misleading terms.
Other African countries have already taken steps to warn their citizens. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently cautioned young women against joining the Alabuga Start Programme, saying it could expose them to serious danger and exploitation. In Botswana, Interpol has launched investigations into the scheme.
Mr Mwila has urged Zambia should take similar action to protect the country’s girls.
“Our duty is first and foremost to protect Zambians,” he said. “Government must now act decisively to investigate these reports and ensure that no Zambian is dragged into a foreign war under false pretences.”
Ends.