Cameroon tightens grip as soldiers desert to Russia for pay
The Minister of Defence of Cameroon has ordered a halt to the desertion of soldiers to the Russian armed forces. The problem is growing as Russia offers significantly higher salaries.
What do you need to know?
- Cameroonian soldiers are deserting to Russia, enticed by higher salaries and the promise of a passport. Russia offers them a salary ranging from $2,800 CAD to $4,600 per month.
- The Minister of Defence of Cameroon, Joseph Beti Assomo, has ordered stricter controls in the army to stop mass desertions. Soldiers are needed to fight Boko Haram and other threats.
- Desertions weaken the Cameroonian army, which is struggling with many threats, including terrorism and maritime piracy.
The Minister of Defence of Cameroon, Joseph Beti Assomo, has issued an order to military commanders to stop the mass desertions of soldiers to the Russian army.
This problem is growing because Russia offers significantly higher salaries than the Cameroonian armed forces. Soldiers who decide to serve in Russia can expect to earn between $2,800 and $4,600 per month, which is incomparable to the wages in Cameroon.
What are the consequences of desertion?
Desertions weaken the Cameroonian army, which is dealing with numerous threats. In the north of the country, there are terrorists from Boko Haram. In the east, rebels from the Central African Republic present a challenge, and along the Atlantic coast, maritime pirates are a constant threat. Additionally, in the west, there is the so-called Anglophone crisis related to separatists. In the face of these challenges, every loss of soldiers is significant.
The first wave of desertions hit the Cameroonian army at the end of 2010, when many soldiers from elite units began to leave for Dubai, where they protected the affluent from the Emirates for high wages. According to the ISS, between 300 and 800 soldiers deserted in 2018. In response, the Minister of Defence temporarily suspended foreign military missions at that time.
Russia's aggression in Ukraine created another opportunity for Cameroonian soldiers seeking better prospects. By using local recruitment networks, Russia convinced many of them to fight against Ukrainians. Soldiers from Cameroon's modernized, professional army, experienced in combatting terrorists and pirates, are more attractive to the Kremlin than allegedly untrained immigrants seeking better jobs or education in Russia.
The Cameroonian government has tightened the rules regarding military departures. Now, any soldier wishing to leave the country must obtain direct approval from the Minister of Defence.
