Wilson and Jackson Introduce Bipartisan ‘Countering Russia’s Forced Recruitment and Kidnapping in Africa Act’

May 13, 2026 Press Release Washington, DC – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced the‘ Countering Russia’s Forced Recruitment and Kidnapping in Africa Act. ’ This legislation imposes sanctions on foreign persons and foreign governments participating in or facilitating the recruitment of foreign nationals from African countries for the purpose of fighting war criminal Putin’s war in Ukraine. “War criminal Putin and his state-run “mercenary” outfits have generated chaos and misery everywhere they've gone, now extending into kidnapping and conscription to fuel their illegal invasion of Ukraine. Putin's recruitment schemes, human trafficking, and the forced fighting of vulnerable populations in Africa should not be financed by his illegal aggressions,” said Rep. Wilson . “Russia’s recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable men across multiple nations in Africa is not partnership – it is predation disguised as opportunity,” said Rep. Jackson. “This is a violation of human dignity and international law, and the world must not look away. That is why I joined Rep. Wilson in introducing this necessary legislation to condemn Russia’s human trafficking to the frontlines of their illegal war in Ukraine, and sanction those responsible for these heinous crimes.” Background Russian-backed entities are working to recruit civilian and military personnel across Africa to participate in Putin’s illegal and murderous war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has reported that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, including many under false pretenses. The full text of the bill is available here . # # # Issues : Foreign Affairs National Security