Tanzania’s government has formally confirmed for the first time that one of its citizens died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. There had been no official comment from the authorities until now.
Nemes Tarimo, a 33-year-old student, died in October after being recruited by the Wagner Group, a private military outfit.
His family in Tanzania is still waiting for his body to be returned to them.
Tarimo, who was studying in Moscow, was imprisoned last March, according to Foreign Minister Stergomena Tax. She didn’t say anything about the charges he was facing.
“According to information shared with us by the Russian government, Tarimo chose to join the Wagner Group with the promise of receiving money and being pardoned after the war,” she explained.
“He then joined the group and died in combat in October 2022. “Proceedings to return his body to Tanzania are underway, and his body will arrive late today and be handed over to the family for burial procedures,” the minister added.
She also took advantage of the opportunity to remind Tanzanians that it was illegal for a Tanzanian to join a foreign army.
“Tanzanian citizens may only join and register with the Tanzania army in accordance with our constitution and laws.”
