Sema Fonkem 08 April 2026

The Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Moscow, Russia has confirmed the deaths of sixteen Cameroonian soldiers in Ukkraine.

The circumstances behind the troops’ deaths and their involvement in fighting for Russia in Ukraine’s “special military operations zone” remain unknown.

The Cameroonian embassy said arrangements are being made to properly notify grieving families back home, and relatives of six others residing in Russia have been called to a meeting hosted by the ambassador, Mahamat Paba Salé.

Cameroon’s defense ministry in Yaounde has stated unequivocally that no troops have been sent to Russia and that no security arrangements exist between the two countries. This means that the servicemen entered Russia illegally as military contractors.

In March 2025, Cameroon’s defense minister, Joseph Beti Assomo, issued a severe warning to senior commanding officers to prevent any flawed activities by retired or active military members.

According to information given by Ukraine, over 1700 Africans have been sighted fighting for Russia since the conflict escalated in 2022.