This bill would target people and governments that recruit nationals from African countries to fight for or work for Russia in the war in Ukraine. The Secretary of State must create a list within 90 days of enactment of foreign persons and foreign governments involved in such recruitment. People determined to be victims of fraud, coercion, or deception are excluded from the list. Within 30 days after the list is created, the President may impose sanctions on those listed. The bill describes specific sanctions, including blocking property under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, restrictions on Export-Import Bank support, limits on loans from U.S. financial institutions, directing U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions to oppose loans, prohibiting support from the International Development Finance Corporation, the Trade and Development Agency, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, banning U.S. government procurement from listed entities, and denying or revoking visas and excluding listed individuals from the United States. The bill includes exceptions for United Nations obligations, humanitarian assistance, and authorized intelligence, law enforcement, and national security activities. The President may waive sanctions for vital national interests with congressional notice. The President may also terminate sanctions under certain conditions. Any sanctions under the bill end five years after enactment.
No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings say Russian-linked actors are recruiting or coercing African nationals to join Russia’s war in Ukraine. It cites reports that recruits have been misled, had passports or phones taken, or were sent to front-line combat or hazardous work. The bill frames recruitment and abduction as likely human rights violations and says some local officials may have participated or benefited. Proponents would use sanctions to punish and deter those who recruit or facilitate such activities.
No publicly available information.