Senegal has condemned Ukraine over illegal recruitment of its citizens to fight against Russia.

Senegalese ministry of foreign affairs in a statement on Thursday said Ukraine violated “Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations”, adding “that the recruitment of volunteers, mercenaries or foreign fighters on Senegalese territory is illegal and punishable by the penalties provided for by law.”

The statement also warned Ukraine “Embassy to immediately withdraw the above-mentioned appeal and cease, without delay, any procedure for enlisting persons of Senegalese or foreign nationality, from Senegalese territory.”

Senegal was one of the 17 African countries who abstained from the UN General Assembly vote to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and order withdrawal of Kremlin forces.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a statement on last week Sunday, accused Russia of killing civilians, calling on “All citizens of the world, friends of Ukraine, peace and democracy” to support Ukraine against Russia.

“Anyone who wants to join the defense of Ukraine, Europe and the world can come and fight side by side with the Ukrainians against the Russian war criminals,” Mr Zelensky said.

The Nigerian government has remained silent on Ukraine’s recruitment drive. Already, thousands of Nigerians are thronging the Ukrainian embassy to enlist for the war but they are being told it would cost them $1,000.