Cameroon's military woes: Soldiers lured by lucrative Russian offers
The Minister of Defence of Cameroon has ordered a halt to the desertion of soldiers to the Russian armed forces. The issue is growing as Russia offers significantly higher salaries.
What do you need to know?
- Cameroonian soldiers are deserting to Russia, enticed by higher wages and the promise of a passport. Russia offers them a salary ranging from £1,500 to £2,500 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 combat Boko Haram and other threats.
- Desertions weaken the Cameroonian army, which is struggling with numerous 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 £1,500 and £2,500 per month, which is incomparable to the wages in Cameroon.
What are the consequences of desertion?
Desertions weaken the Cameroonian army, which is facing numerous threats. In the north of the country, there are terrorists from Boko Haram; in the east, rebels from the Central African Republic; and along the Atlantic coast, maritime pirates. Additionally, in the west of the country, there is the so-called Anglophone crisis related to separatists. In light 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 wealthy 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. And soldiers from Cameroon's modernised, professional army, experienced in fighting terrorists and pirates, are more attractive to the Kremlin than allegedly trapped, 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.
