From Syria to Niger: The Struggles and Dilemmas of Mercenary Recruitment

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For over a decade, Abu Mohammad has lived in a tent with his family in northern Syria, displaced by the ongoing civil war. Struggling to support his wife and four children without running water or proper sanitation, he has decided to travel through Turkey to Niger for work as a mercenary, enticed by offers of $1,500 a month.
At 33, he is part of a Turkish-backed faction opposing President Bashar al-Assad, earning less than $50 a month. With recruitment for Niger increasing, over 1,000 Syrian fighters have reportedly traveled there since December 2023. While initially told they would protect Turkish interests in Niger, many discover they may end up fighting under Russian command against jihadist groups.
Fighters like Abu Mohammad face a moral dilemma, as they need the income to support their families despite their opposition to Russian involvement in Syria. As they prepare to leave, they face secrecy around contracts and recruitment processes, with Turkish company SADAT allegedly facilitating their deployment.
Conditions in Niger are harsh, with limited communication back home, and at least nine Syrian recruits have been killed since late 2023. Despite their families’ concerns, many feel compelled to take these risks for financial survival.