A Cameroonian collective, "Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers," is calling on Russia and Cameroon to collaborate in dismantling secret recruitment networks that are enlisting Cameroonians to join the Russian army amid the conflict in Ukraine. The group held a peaceful march in Yaoundé, Cameroon's capital, to raise awareness of this issue. The march aimed to draw the attention of both nations to the clandestine network that continues to recruit Cameroonian nationals.
According to a report by the group "All Eyes on Wagner," at least 1,417 Africans, including many from Cameroon, have been recruited into the Russian military, with over 300 reported dead. Many young men were attracted by promises of work in Russia, only to find themselves thrust into combat in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The report highlights the scope of the recruitment and the devastating consequences for the families involved.
Paul Sylvain Yede, a co-founder of "Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers," emphasized that the march aimed to urge Russia and Cameroon to take action against the clandestine network. The group is demanding that the two nations work together to stop the recruitment of Cameroonian nationals and bring back those already deployed to Ukraine. Yede stressed that the network continues to drain Cameroon of its sons, causing immense suffering for the families.
Catherine Djock, whose husband went to Russia for what he believed would be a kitchen job, has not heard from him in nearly a year. She expressed her anguish, stating that she cannot accept that he is dead, as she has not seen his body. Djock wants Russia to bring her husband back to her and demands the truth about his situation. Her case is just one of many, highlighting the uncertainty and pain faced by the families of the recruited nationals.
Ngong San Djombi, who lost his youngest son, expressed his anguish and demanded that his son be returned to him, regardless of his condition. Djombi has refused to hold a funeral, instead choosing to pray. His case, along with Djock's, underscores the emotional toll of the recruitment on the families and the need for action from both Russia and Cameroon.
The "Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers" group is advocating for the repatriation of Cameroonian nationals recruited to fight in Ukraine. The group is also calling for support for the families affected by the recruitment. By raising awareness about the issue, the group hopes to put pressure on Russia and Cameroon to take action and address the clandestine network.
The situation highlights the need for greater cooperation between nations to prevent such recruitment and protect their citizens. The international community is also urged to take note of the issue and provide support to the affected families.
Key points
- At least 1,417 Africans, including many from Cameroon, have been recruited into the Russian military.
- Over 300 Africans recruited to fight in Ukraine have been reported dead.
- Families of the recruited nationals are demanding action from Russia and Cameroon to bring back their loved ones.
