The Malawian government and human rights advocates are under increasing pressure to investigate the recruitment of young Malawian girls into Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) amid reports of exploitation and dangerous working conditions at a drone factory in the area. The revelations highlight a broader concern about the exploitation of young Africans lured to Russia under the guise of education and employment opportunities.

The girls, whose identities have largely remained anonymous, are among 182 women from Africa and Asia working at an enemy drone factory in the Alabuga Special Region, according to a recent revelation by Russian Investigative Outlet Protocol. This investigation raised alarms, especially since the Alabuga SEZ in Tatarstan has become a military target in the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces’ targeting of the region in April 2024 brought to light the unstable situation of these young women.

Alabuga SEZ runs various programs, including the Alabuga Startup Programme, which recruits young girls between the ages of 18 and 22 from various African countries for work and training in the Russian industrial zone. Promoted through social media and attractive packages offering jobs and training in different sectors, the program attracted the attention of young women in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Malawi.

However, as highlighted in the disclosure, security and working conditions in the region raise serious concerns. With military operations and drone manufacturing facilities located nearby, many workers, including Malawian girls, unknowingly put themselves in danger. Reports of poor working conditions and toxic chemicals in drone factories have also added to growing concern. According to Sergey Podystnik, editor of the investigative outlet that broke the story, some workers at the Alabuga Composites Program developed serious allergic reactions and other health problems due to exposure to hazardous substances.

Malawi Government Under Pressure to Act

Reacting to these disturbing reports, National Advocacy Platform (NAP) President Benedicto Kondowe called on the Malawian government to act quickly to ensure the safety and repatriation of the affected young women. Kondowe also emphasized the importance of government intervention to provide appropriate civic education to young people and prevent them from becoming victims of such exploitative schemes.

“We request the government to expedite investigations to save these girls. Their safety is paramount and they need to be returned home as soon as possible,” Kondowe said, urging the government to strengthen efforts to ensure young people are aware of the risks involved in such employment opportunities.

In response to the concerns of the human rights community in Malawi, child rights advocate and mother of three Masuzgo Banda highlighted the critical role of parents and guardians in guiding their children. “As a mother, I cannot allow my children to go to such unstable countries even if they are promised job opportunities or scholarships. Banda said the internet is full of fake business plans that could lead to disaster.

Increasing Risks for African Youth

The ongoing problem in Russia is part of a broader pattern of exploitation affecting young Africans abroad. In 2023, Zambian Lemekani Nyirenda and Tanzanian Nemes Tarimo were tragically killed while fighting on the front lines in Ukraine after being taken from prison by the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Their deaths highlighted the dangers of foreign recruitment schemes, with young Africans being lured into dangerous and exploitative situations.

While the Alabuga Startup Program promised education and job opportunities, it was flagged as a potential disaster waiting to happen for the young African girls who participated in the program. Some of the program’s promotional materials even give tips on what to do if a building collapses; This is a clear indication of the dangers these soldiers face while working in a war zone.

Call for Government Responsibility

As of now, Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, headed by Minister Nancy Tembo, has remained silent on the matter despite many questions from the press. When contacted, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Charles Nkhalamba, confirmed that the government had received inquiries into the situation but was yet to issue an official statement or response.

The Malawian government is no stranger to such concerns. In 2022, several Malawian women were repatriated from Oman and Kuwait after being subjected to modern slavery and poor working conditions in the Gulf countries. The issue sparked a public outcry and forced the government to negotiate their return.

As similar concerns emerged in Russia, Benedicto Kondowe called for stronger measures to protect citizens seeking job opportunities abroad. “We need a system where business deals are conducted between governments, as we saw most recently with the Malawi-Israel Labor Export Agreement. “This will ensure accountability, transparency and most importantly the safety of Malawian citizens abroad,” he added.

Malawi’s Diplomatic Dilemma

Malawi’s diplomatic relations are currently embroiled in a delicate balancing act between Russia and Ukraine. Despite voting at the United Nations to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Malawi has maintained a positive relationship with Russia, which donated 20,000 tonnes of fertilizer to the country in 2023. In contrast, Ukraine recently provided 14,500 tons of corn to help solve the problem. Food insecurity has been exacerbated by El Niño-induced weather conditions in Malawi.

This diplomatic balancing act puts the Malawian government in a difficult position regarding the exploitation of its citizens in Russia; because the country tries to maintain good relations with both parties.

Solution

Reports from the Alabuga Special Economic Zone are a stark reminder of the dangers faced by young Malawians seeking employment abroad in search of better opportunities. While the allure of lucrative jobs and education may be tempting, it is clear that many of these plans hide dark truths.

As calls for the Malawian government to investigate and take action grow, it is vital that the safety of citizens, particularly vulnerable youth, is prioritized and appropriate measures are taken to protect them from exploitation. In a globalized world where many young people are keen to seek opportunities abroad, it is imperative that they are empowered with the information and resources that will enable them to make safe and informed decisions. The Malawian government must act quickly to prevent another potential tragedy from occurring.

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