Young Cameroonian men lured by promises of jobs in Russia have found themselves deployed to the front lines of the war in Ukraine, prompting a strong reaction from their families. A group calling itself "Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers" is demanding that both Moscow and Yaoundé collaborate to dismantle the clandestine recruitment networks responsible for enlisting Cameroonians into the Russian military.
On Wednesday, the collective organized a peaceful march to the Russian Embassy in the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé. Paul Sylvain Yede, one of the group's co-founders, stated that the demonstration aims to alert both nations to the urgent need to stop these schemes. He emphasized that the networks continue to drain Cameroon of its young men under deceptive circumstances.
Data from a report by the collective "All Eyes on Wagner" indicates that at least 1,417 Africans have been recruited into the Russian military ranks since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The report further notes that more than 300 of these recruits have been reported dead.
Catherine Djock, whose husband traveled to Russia expecting kitchen work, has spent nearly a year without news of his whereabouts. She expressed her refusal to accept his death without seeing his body and demanded the truth about his situation. "He was supposed to work as a cook, but upon his arrival, he ended up on the front lines," Djock said, calling for Russia to return him if he is still alive.
Ngong San Djombi, the father of another victim who lost his youngest son, echoed these sentiments. He insisted that his son be returned regardless of his physical condition, even if disabled. Djombi stated that he has refused to hold a funeral and continues to pray, as he cannot accept the loss without confirmation or remains.
Sources: Euronews English.