Botswana repatriates abandoned infant from Russia

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirmed yesterday that the child arrived in Botswana on the evening of September 20, 2026, and is in good health. The child was born in Moscow in November 2025 to a Motswana who was studying in Russia at the time. Following the abandonment, the Russian authorities took the child into their protection whilst arrangements were made for the minor’s eventual return to Botswana.

The repatriation was facilitated through collaboration between the DPP, Botswana Police Service and the Department of Social Development, working alongside relevant authorities in the Russian Federation. According to the DPP, a Botswana team travelled to Russia to facilitate the process and ensure the child’s safe return home.