Cameroon Families Demand Relatives’ Return

Families in Cameroon marched to the Russian embassy in Yaoundé on Wednesday to demand the return of relatives they say were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, urging Moscow and the Cameroonian government to dismantle the clandestine networks they blame.

The group “Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers” organised the peaceful march on 28 October. Protesters want both governments to act against what they describe as secret recruitment networks that target Cameroonians with promises of jobs in Russia. Families say some relatives were offered civilian work but ended up on the front line in Ukraine.

According to a report by the All Eyes on Wagner collective, at least 1,417 Africans have been recruited into the Russian army, and more than 300 have reportedly been killed. One woman, who has not heard from her husband for nine months, told Africanews she wants the truth about his fate and his return. Organisers are calling for closer cooperation between Cameroon and Russia to stop further recruitment. In February, Russia facilitated the return of 17 South Africans who had been fighting in Ukraine.