Sixteen Cameroonians have been killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, the BBC has confirmed after a foreign ministry source verified that a recently leaked diplomatic note circulating on social media about the deaths was authentic.
The government has faced criticism over its prolonged silence on the issue - and this marks the first recognition of the involvement of its nationals in the conflict. A recent report by All Eyes on Wagner, a group that investigates mercenary activities worldwide, said 94 Cameroonians had died in the war between 2023 and 2025.
The leaked note - from Cameroon’s foreign ministry to the Russian embassy - describes the 16 who had died as military contractors. Attempts to contact the Russian embassy about the note, which was dated 5 March, were unsuccessful.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that more than 1,700 individuals from 36 African nations have been recruited to fight for Russia. Despite the alarming trend, Cameroon has not made an official statement acknowledging the deaths. However, a recent statement from the foreign ministry mentioned the names of the deceased, indicating they were residents in Russia, but without further context.
The plight of Cameroonians reflects a broader concern across Africa, where several nations including Ghana and Kenya are grappling with the issue of recruitment of their nationals to fight abroad. Reports indicate these efforts have resulted in numerous casualties, highlighting the urgent need for addresses to be taken regarding the safety of these individuals.
The government has faced criticism over its prolonged silence on the issue - and this marks the first recognition of the involvement of its nationals in the conflict. A recent report by All Eyes on Wagner, a group that investigates mercenary activities worldwide, said 94 Cameroonians had died in the war between 2023 and 2025.
The leaked note - from Cameroon’s foreign ministry to the Russian embassy - describes the 16 who had died as military contractors. Attempts to contact the Russian embassy about the note, which was dated 5 March, were unsuccessful.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that more than 1,700 individuals from 36 African nations have been recruited to fight for Russia. Despite the alarming trend, Cameroon has not made an official statement acknowledging the deaths. However, a recent statement from the foreign ministry mentioned the names of the deceased, indicating they were residents in Russia, but without further context.
The plight of Cameroonians reflects a broader concern across Africa, where several nations including Ghana and Kenya are grappling with the issue of recruitment of their nationals to fight abroad. Reports indicate these efforts have resulted in numerous casualties, highlighting the urgent need for addresses to be taken regarding the safety of these individuals.
