Cameroon soldiers have deserted to fight in Ukraine, as sources said many of them in 2010 have left to Dubai, lured by lucrative offers to protect wealthy Emiratis, however, in 2018, indications were that between 300 and 800 soldiers had deserted.
Penpushing reports that media report stated that by 2020, 637 soldiers faced dismissal due to desertion, while the desertion of soldiers to fight in Ukraine weakens the operational capacity of several African militaries and the stability of the affected countries.
The Cameroon’s government recently highlighted the trend which, although not new, has intensified since Russia invaded Ukraine, as the Cameroon’s Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo in a statement in March sheds light on the illicit involvement of the country’s troops in the Ukraine war.
Penpushing further reports that the defence minister in a statement announced temporary suspended overseas missions for the military, while Ukraine conflict presents another opportunity for Cameroonian soldiers seeking better prospects.
The sources, however, said what troubles Cameroonian authorities most is the fate of deserting soldiers, while some officers speculate about the possibility of a future Russian Africa Corps composed of black soldiers, others worry about the risk associated with the return of deserters.
Penpushing also reports that the source added that having gained combat experience in Ukraine, they could use their operational skills and high-intensity combat abilities against Cameroon’s security interests.
The Cameroon’s Defence Minister, as way to address the problem has called for stricter oversight of defence and security personnel, and this includes taking appropriate action against deserters, including dismissal from service and prosecution.
Penpushing reports that it equally includes regulations for military personnel wishing to leave the country have also been tightened; they must now seek authorisation directly from the minister.
The exodus worsens the Cameroonian army’s recruitment struggles, as its military commitments increase, the army faces an alarming desertion rate among new recruits, while such departures weaken its operational capacity and disrupt unit coherence, leading to a loss of expertise and interpersonal skills.
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