Russia Confirms Deaths of 16 Cameroonian Fighters in Ukraine Conflict
Yaoundé urges families to contact authorities after first official acknowledgment of nationals involved in Russia’s war efforts.
- Russian authorities confirm 16 Cameroonians died fighting in Ukraine; first official statement from Cameroon.
- Ministry calls on families in Yaoundé to reach out for support and information.
- Circumstances of involvement and deaths remain unclear; Cameroon warns citizens against joining foreign conflicts.
Cameroon has officially confirmed that 16 of its nationals have died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, marking the first time the Central African country has acknowledged the involvement of its citizens in the ongoing war.
In a statement broadcast on state media on Monday evening, Cameroon’s foreign ministry urged the families of the deceased to get in touch with ministry officials in the capital, Yaoundé, for guidance and support.
A diplomatic note, also released on Monday, described the men as “military contractors of Cameroonian nationality” operating in a “special military operation zone,” the term Russia uses to refer to its military campaign in Ukraine. The statement did not provide details on how the 16 men came to be fighting for Russia, nor the exact circumstances, timing, or location of their deaths.
The Russian embassy in Yaoundé did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Earlier, in February, Ukrainian authorities estimated that over 1,700 African nationals were fighting for Russia, though analysts suggest the actual figure may be higher. Russian officials have repeatedly denied that African citizens are being illegally recruited to fight in Ukraine.
Cameroon’s defense ministry had previously expressed concern over soldiers leaving the country to join the conflict, issuing instructions in March 2025 for commanding officers to closely monitor their units. The government has reiterated that it does not officially deploy troops abroad except under international or regional mandates and has warned citizens against participating in foreign conflicts.
