Cameroon to act after 16 nationals killed in Ukraine war

Cameroon is taking steps to address foreign enlistment risks after confirming that 16 of its nationals were killed while serving in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, according to a government memo shared with the Russian Embassy cited by AP News.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said arrangements had been made to contact the families of the deceased, marking a formal response to the confirmed deaths. Authorities also issued a separate notice inviting the families of six other Cameroonian nationals residing in Russia to report to the ministry over “urgent matters,” though no further details were provided.

The development comes amid broader concerns about the involvement of African nationals in the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has previously stated that more than 1,700 Africans may have been recruited to fight for Russia, with some reportedly misled by offers of employment or training opportunities. Similar cases have been cited in Kenya and Nigeria, where nationals were found to have joined or been drawn into the war effort.

Cameroon had already signaled concern over such movements. In March 2025, the country’s defense minister instructed military leadership to take emergency measures aimed at preventing defections among active and former soldiers, reflecting growing awareness of the risks linked to foreign recruitment.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges faced by African governments in monitoring and responding to citizens becoming involved in external conflicts under unclear or informal arrangements.