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Cameroon acknowledges deaths of citizens in Ukraine war
Cameroon's government has verified the deaths of 16 of its nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine, marking its first public recognition of their involvement in the conflict. The confirmation follows the leak of a diplomatic note, authenticated by a foreign ministry source, which described the deceased as "military contractors."
Leaked diplomatic note reveals details
The note, dated 5 March and addressed to the Russian embassy in Cameroon, was obtained by the BBC. Attempts to contact the Russian embassy for comment have so far been unsuccessful. The document lists the 16 Cameroonians as having died while serving as contractors in the war.
Broader African recruitment concerns
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that over 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia. Cameroon's silence on the issue had drawn criticism, though the government has yet to issue an official statement on the deaths.
On Monday, Cameroon's foreign ministry released a list of 16 Cameroonians residing in Russia, broadcast on state television CRTV, urging their relatives to come forward for an "urgent matter." No further details were provided.
Internal concerns and regional responses
Reuters reported seeing an internal memo from March 2025 in which Cameroon's defence minister expressed alarm over soldiers leaving the country to join the war in Ukraine. The minister instructed military officers to monitor their units closely.
Other African nations have also raised concerns about their citizens being recruited to fight for Russia. Ghana has reported at least 55 of its nationals killed in the conflict and has called on Russia to halt recruitment efforts. Kenya has shut down over 600 recruitment agencies suspected of luring citizens with false job promises, while 16 Kenyans remain missing in Russia and 47 have returned from the front lines.
Zimbabwe has confirmed 15 deaths among its nationals, with more than 60 still trapped in combat zones. Earlier this year, South Africa repatriated 17 citizens who claimed they were deceived into fighting in Ukraine's Donbas region.
Investigative report highlights higher toll
A recent investigation by All Eyes on Wagner, a group monitoring mercenary activities, estimated that 94 Cameroonians have died in the war between 2023 and 2025. The findings underscore the broader risks faced by African recruits in the conflict.
