Countering Russia’s Forced Recruitment and Kidnapping in Africa Act
Sponsored By: Representative Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a federal framework to identify and sanction foreign actors that recruit or kidnap African nationals to fight for Russia.
Show full summary
- African nationals and victims: Would be protected from being listed if they were recruited by fraud or coercion and could qualify for humanitarian exceptions.
- Listed foreign persons and governments: Would face measures including blocking of U.S. property, bans on U.S. government procurement, restrictions on Export-Import Bank support, prohibitions on loans over $10 million in any 12-month period, and visa denials or revocations.
- U.S. tools and oversight: Would require the Secretary of State to compile a list within 90 days and let the President impose sanctions within 30 days of listing. The bill includes a National Interest Waiver, humanitarian and intelligence exceptions, limited judicial review rules, and a 5-year sunset on sanctions.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
State Dept list of recruiters
If enacted, the State Department would make a list within 90 days. The list would name people and governments that recruit Africans to join Russian forces or related groups. People found to be victims of fraud, coercion, or deception would not be put on the list.
Limits on loans and IFI votes
If enacted, U.S. banks would be barred from making loans or credits over $10,000,000 to a listed person or government in any 12-month period, unless the money is primarily for relieving human suffering. The President would also be required to direct U.S. executive directors at international financial institutions to oppose loans that would benefit listed actors. These rules would take effect after the list is made and end five years after enactment.
Sanctions and visa bans on recruiters
If enacted, the President would be able to impose sanctions within 30 days after the State Department list is made. Sanctions could freeze property in the U.S., bar U.S. financing and government contracts, and deny or cancel visas immediately. Sanctions would automatically end five years after enactment, but the President could end them earlier with at least 15 days notice to the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]
SC • R
Cosponsors
Jackson (IL)
IL • D
Sponsored 5/7/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov