Tanzanian Student Dead in Ukraine Battle

The family of a Tanzanian prisoner says they have proof that their loved one died in Ukraine while working as a mercenary for Russia’s Wagner Group.

Tanzanian media say that after Nemes Tarimo, 33, was arrested in Russia on drug charges, he was told he would be freed if he took part in a fight in Ukraine.

According to Tarimo’s kin, several of his Russian pals informed them of his passing in late December. Later, the Tanzanian Embassy in Moscow confirmed his passing to them. They said that there were rumours that Tarimo had perished in Bakhmut, a village in eastern Ukraine that had seen intense fighting during Russia’s conflict with that country. None of the reports have been verified.

Tarimo’s family members have not yet seen his body. Men in military fatigues are seen carrying candles around a coffin in a video that’s going viral on social media. On the casket, which is covered in a Wagner flag, are seen to be a picture of Tarimo, two medals, and a certificate.

Tarimo’s sister, Rehema Kigobe, claimed that the family is still in the dark about what transpired. She claimed that his relatives were upset because they learned he had died while fighting for Russia, which they were unaware he was doing. She claimed he had a master’s scholarship to study in Russia.

No military experience

Alphonse John, Tarimo’s grandfather, and other family members were taken aback to learn that he had been in the military.

READ ALSO: Cameroon sends troops to an economic hub to stop gang violence

Through a translator, John stated, “We wonder how he managed to go to the war because he had never had any military training, even at the primary level, when he left here.”

Luoida Sambulika, Tarimo’s mother, stated her son was respectful, fearful of God, and helpful.

Through a translator, she said, “Nemes grew up to be a really lovely young man.” “He has shown great respect, composure, and kindness. He would frequently leave school and be found working on his computer.He wasn’t someone who liked lousy bands.”

A Zambian national who had also been detained on drug-related charges and found guilty in Russia passed away in Ukraine while fighting for Wagner the previous year. Lemekhani Nyirenda, like Tarimo, was promised his freedom in exchange for serving as a mercenary.

Wagner is said to have brought more African immigrants to Russia so they could fight in Ukraine.

Tarimo’s body, meanwhile, is reportedly still in Russia. It was first promised to be returned to Tanzania by January 10 by the Tanzanian Embassy. The embassy keeps in touch with the relatives and promises to let them know when Tarimo takes his final trip home.