The government of Cameroon has confirmed the deaths of 16 of its citizens who were serving as military contractors for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
In a statement aired on state media on Monday evening, Cameroon’s Ministry of External Relations urged families of the deceased to contact officials in Yaoundé for further assistance and arrangements.
The ministry described the victims as “Cameroonian national contract soldiers” operating in Russia’s so-called “special military operation” zone in Ukraine.
According to a diplomatic note dated April 6, 2026, the confirmation followed earlier communication from the Russian Embassy in Yaoundé, received on March 5, which informed authorities of the deaths and included a list of names. The embassy reportedly indicated that efforts had been made to reach affected families.
This is the first time Cameroonian authorities have publicly acknowledged the involvement of their citizens fighting on the Russian side of the conflict. However, the statement did not provide details about how the men were recruited, where they died, or the specific circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Cameroon has repeatedly maintained that it does not deploy troops abroad except under international or regional mandates. In March 2025, the country’s Defence Minister issued an internal memo expressing concern over soldiers deserting their posts to join the war in Ukraine and directed commanders to closely monitor their units.
Independent investigations, including a February 2026 report by the Geneva-based group INPACT, suggest higher casualty figures. The report identified at least 94 Cameroonians killed while fighting for Russia, the highest toll among African countries involved. It also estimated that about 335 Cameroonian fighters were among more than 1,400 Africans recruited.
Earlier, Ukraine claimed that more than 1,700 Africans were fighting on the Russian side, with analysts suggesting the actual number could be higher. Russia has denied allegations of illegal recruitment of foreign nationals.
Families of the deceased have previously said many victims travelled to Russia in search of better economic opportunities but ended up on the frontlines. Economic hardship and promises of high pay are often cited as key factors driving such recruitment.
Authorities in Yaoundé have encouraged relatives of the deceased to contact the Consular Department of the Ministry of External Relations for information and next steps.
