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Daughters of Zimbabwe, lost in a distant war
When her 19-year-old daughter boarded a flight to Russia last year, Ulita Semende from Harare thought she was seeing her child head towards a better tomorrow.
Now, she is afraid that she has sent her to captivity.
We don't communicate much anymore," Semende said, her voice trembling. "The last time she called me on WhatsApp—back in May—she seemed hurried and scared. I'm starting to believe the rumors about the girls making drones because she's so secretive. She doesn't tell me anything about her job or her studies.
One of Semende's daughters is part of an increasing number of young Zimbabwean women reportedly recruited by Russia's "Alabuga Start" initiative. Marketed as a skills development and business training program, it has been associated with drone manufacturing for the conflict in Ukraine at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, more than 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow.
What started as a promise of opportunity has turned into a transnational crisis, trapping hundreds of young women from various parts of Africa, such as South Africa, Uganda, and Nigeria. Lured through social media influencers, student organizations, and occasionally individuals connected to the government, they now find themselves at the heart of an escalating controversy.
Although South Africa and Uganda have initiated formal inquiries and halted their involvement, the Zimbabwean government's reaction has been characterized by silence, causing families to remain in a painful state of uncertainty.
During a post-cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere mentioned that the government had not yet addressed the matter. "Regrettably, the topic you inquired about was not covered in today's briefing," he remarked. "We will consider it during our upcoming meeting."
Deputy Information Minister Omphile Marupi shared the same sentiment, stating to okay1, "We have not received any information from the embassy regarding the exploitation of women... however, inquiries are still in progress."
For families such as Sositina Mukatwa's, that official silence is unbearable. "I live in fear because the government remains quiet," said the 43-year-old from Chivhu. Her daughter left in 2023, citing only a scholarship. Since then, contact has been infrequent and tense.
She has only called three times to say she's okay, but I could tell she wasn't able to talk freely," Mukatwa explained. "The last time, she sounded intoxicated and suggested she had been fired. Later, she sent $200 and claimed she was 'back at work,' but wouldn't reveal what she was doing.
In a Harare neighborhood, 55-year-old Ruzvidzo Masambaasiyana bears a comparable sense of guilt. He obtained the chance for his daughter via a friend in the government. "When she left, I felt my ties to those in power had finally proven beneficial," he remembers.
That assurance has now been broken. "I wasn't concerned until I saw the news—that they are producing drones utilized in the conflict. I attempted to discuss it with her in April, but she dismissed me. I feel as if I handed my daughter over into servitude."
A Challenge Born from Destitution
Renowned human rights activist Effie Ncube claims the crisis stems from widespread poverty and inequality across Africa. "It's no surprise that individuals are being drawn into the Ukraine-Russian conflict," he mentioned. "This is an issue that should worry all governments on the African continent and further afield."
He emphasized that Zimbabwe needs to collaborate with its regional allies for a unified approach. "This involves gathering support within the SADC region and within the African Union since we are all linked."
A gender activist from Bulawayo, Thando Gwiji, claims that desperation has made Zimbabwe's youth vulnerable. "As long as poverty isn't addressed, young people will choose to be enslaved and fed over being free but hungry," she said. "Additionally, women's rights are significantly underfinanced, making young women susceptible to trafficking schemes that appear as opportunities."
Academic Mehluli Nyathi cautions that the matter extends far beyond mere trickery. "This is not gentle diplomacy; it's economic pressure. African governments are being lured into military-industrial partnerships under the pretense of student education."
A Call for Action
Linda Masarira, head of the LEAD party, has urged specific actions: enhancing border checks for young people, regulating international recruiters, and forcing online platforms to eliminate misleading advertisements.
Ultimately, we need to ensure that enforcement aligns with our Trafficking in Persons law and collaborate with the AU and SADC to establish a joint task force, as this issue spans across regions," Masarira stated. "Anything less would imply that those benefiting from our daughters' vulnerability will face no consequences.
At this moment, families are left with nothing but echoes. The voices of their daughters, which were once familiar and near, now seem far away, quick, and filled with the shadow of an invisible conflict.
I'm unsure where to go," Ulita Semende murmurs, her hope diminishing every day. "I simply wish my daughter back home.
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