The government of Cameroon, relying on data from the Russian authorities, reported the death of 16 of its citizens who fought on the side of the Russian Federation in the war with Ukraine.
This was reported by Reuters, citing a diplomatic note from Cameroon.
The document calls the dead “military contractors of Cameroonian nationality” who were operating in the zone of “special military operation” — this is how Russia calls the war against Ukraine.
It is noted that this is the first time that the Central African country has publicly spoken about the participation of its citizens in a full-scale Russian invasion. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon called on the families of the deceased to contact representatives of the department in the capital Yaounde. Reuters emphasizes that the documents do not specify how exactly these 16 citizens entered the service of the Russian armed forces, details about the circumstances of their deaths are also not yet known. The agency also noted that the Russian embassy in Yaounde did not respond to a request for comment.
What is known about citizens from African countries in the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine?
On November 6, 2025, it became known that citizens of the Republic of South Africa had joined the Russian army and become mercenaries in the war against Ukraine. The South African government said it was investigating and working on their return.
In turn, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that at least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting against Ukraine in the Russian army.
On February 20, 2026, the Kenyan National Intelligence Service announced that at least 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine. At least one of them died, and several others returned home wounded or injured.