Russia's war in Ukraine kills 16 Cameroonian citizens – media

Cameroon's Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella announced on state television that 16 Cameroonian citizens died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, a fact confirmed by the Russian consulate in the capital Yaounde, Clash Report has said.

Cameroon stated on Tuesday that Russian authorities confirmed the deaths of 16 Cameroonians working as "military contractors." The Cameroonian Foreign Ministry published a list of the deceased.

"Cameroon's latest statement is the first public admission of citizen participation in the war, signaling growing concern over the uncontrolled flow of fighters and the consequences for internal security," the report says.

According to the publication, an internal memo from the Ministry of Defense of Cameroon dated March 2025 already warned that soldiers were leaving Cameroon to participate in the war, with commanders instructed to monitor units more closely. The country's government emphasized that it does not deploy troops abroad outside of international mandates.

In February, the Ukrainian side stated that more than 1,700 Africans are fighting for Russia; in November 2025, a figure of more than 1,400 fighters from 36 African countries was voiced, many of whom are now prisoners of war. Russia denies illegal recruitment, but numerous cases indicate various methods.

"African governments have begun to react. In March, Kenya stated that Russia agreed to stop recruiting its citizens after more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited, according to Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. Ugandan authorities also stated that employment agencies are exploiting youth unemployment and overseas employment programs," the article says.