The human rights organization FOCODE has accused the Burundian government of sending soldiers and police officers to Russia, with some allegedly being taken to the battlefield to fight alongside Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.
The allegations come amid longstanding relations between Burundi and Russia, which have strengthened in recent years through increased diplomatic engagement and cooperation in the security sector.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1962. In recent years, Moscow and Bujumbura have stepped up political dialogue and cooperation in several areas.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the relationship between the two countries as having “positive dynamics,” with close cooperation at the international level, including within the United Nations.
FOCODE says a key question is whether Burundians appearing in Russian military uniforms traveled to Russia independently or whether Burundian government institutions played a role in facilitating their deployment.
The issue has gained further attention following photographs showing Hassan Nimubona, also known as Mohamed Love, a former Burundian police officer, wearing a Russian military uniform.
However, no independent evidence has so far been made public proving that the Burundian government officially sent its soldiers or police officers to fight for Russia in Ukraine. FOCODE is calling for an investigation into the allegations.
Ukraine has for some time reported that a large number of foreign nationals have joined the Russian military, with some eventually being deployed to the battlefield in Ukraine.
In February 2026, the Ukrainian media outlet United24 Media reported on a Burundian national identified as Akimana, who said he had traveled to Russia before reaching the Donetsk region, where he was captured by Ukrainian forces.
Akimana reportedly said he had spent more than 10 days in areas affected by fighting.
Ukraine has also said that it has identified nearly 3,000 Africans from 37 countries who were either recruited or joined the Russian military. Ukrainian authorities say some of them have already been killed in combat.
These reports have increased scrutiny of Burundian nationals appearing on the Russian side of the conflict, particularly as Ukraine continues to release videos and information about foreign nationals captured on the battlefield.
Burundi has repeatedly maintained that it is not taking sides in the war in Ukraine. However, its relationship with Russia has continued to grow.
Moscow says political dialogue between the two countries has developed in recent years, while Burundi and Russia have also cooperated within international organizations.
The two countries have also pursued cooperation in other sectors, including peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Burundi has continued to emphasize that it does not want to take sides.
However, the appearance of Burundians in the Russian military, including individuals reportedly captured by Ukrainian forces, has raised questions about whether there are specific channels through which Burundian nationals travel to Russia and subsequently join the Russian armed forces.
FOCODE is seeking clarification on whether Burundians serving in the Russian military traveled independently in search of employment and financial opportunities, or whether Burundian government institutions were involved.
The issue is significant because Ukraine has alleged that some foreign nationals recruited into the Russian military were initially offered employment contracts or other opportunities before eventually being sent to the battlefield.
Russia, for its part, has rejected allegations that it uses unlawful methods to recruit foreign nationals.
So far, there has been no official statement from the Burundian government confirming any program to send its soldiers or police officers to fight for Russia.
FOCODE is nevertheless calling for explanations as reports from Ukraine continue to indicate that some Burundian nationals have reached the battlefield on the Russian side.
The allegations have therefore raised renewed questions about whether Burundi has played any role in sending or facilitating the deployment of its nationals into the Russian military, making the issue one of the key matters being closely watched in relations between Bujumbura and Moscow.
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