Sixteen Cameroonian nationals have died while fighting for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. The BBC confirmed this information after a source within the foreign ministry verified a recently surfaced diplomatic note that had been circulating on social media, detailing these deaths.
The Cameroonian government has faced considerable criticism for its prolonged silence on the matter. This recent confirmation represents the first official acknowledgement of its citizens’ involvement in the ongoing hostilities.
A report published by All Eyes on Wagner, an organization that investigates global mercenary activities, previously stated that 94 Cameroonians had perished in the war between 2023 and 2025.
The leaked note, originating from Cameroon’s foreign ministry and addressed to the Russian embassy, identified the 16 deceased individuals as “military contractors.” Attempts made by the BBC to contact the Russian embassy regarding this note, which was dated March 5th, proved unsuccessful.
African Recruitment in the Ukraine Conflict
Estimates from Ukrainian intelligence suggest that over 1,700 individuals from 36 different African nations have been recruited to fight on behalf of Russia. Despite this, Cameroon has yet to issue a public statement acknowledging the deaths of its citizens.
However, on a Monday, a statement from the foreign ministry was disseminated to the broadcaster CRTV. This message listed the names of 16 Cameroonians reportedly residing in Russia and requested that their relatives get in touch regarding an urgent matter, without providing further details. The broadcast aired on Monday evening.
While Cameroon refrains from public commentary on its nationals’ participation in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Reuters news agency reported observing an internal memo from March 2025. This document indicated that the defense minister had expressed concerns about soldiers departing the country to fight in Ukraine and had instructed officers to monitor their units.
Other African Nations Address Recruitment Concerns
Several African countries have taken steps to address the concerning number of their nationals being enticed to fight for Russia. Ghana, for instance, has urged Russia to cease its recruitment of combatants. The West African nation reports that at least 55 of its citizens have been killed in the conflict.
In February, Kenya’s foreign minister informed the BBC that over 600 recruitment agencies suspected of misleading Kenyans with false promises of overseas employment had been shut down. Official sources state that sixteen Kenyans are unaccounted for in Russia, while 47 others have returned home from Ukrainian front lines.
Zimbabwe has reported that 15 of its nationals have died after being recruited, with more than 60 individuals reportedly still trapped on the front lines. Earlier this year, South Africa facilitated the repatriation of 17 citizens who claimed they were deceived into fighting for Russia and subsequently found themselves trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region.