Cameroon cracks down on soldier exodus to Russia
The Minister of Defense 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, lured by higher salaries and the promise of a passport. Russia offers them a salary ranging from $2,000 to $3,300 per month.
- The Minister of Defense 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 grappling with many threats, including terrorism and maritime piracy.
The Minister of Defense of Cameroon, Joseph Beti Assomo, has issued an order to military commanders to stop the mass desertions of soldiers to the Russian army.
This issue is growing because Russia offers significantly higher salaries than the Cameroonian armed forces. Soldiers who choose to serve in Russia can expect to earn between $2,000 and $3,300 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. Given 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 leaving for Dubai, where they protected wealthy individuals from the Emirates for high wages. According to the ISS, between 300 and 800 soldiers deserted in 2018. In response, the Minister of Defense temporarily suspended foreign military missions at that time.
Russia's aggression in Ukraine created another opportunity for Cameroonian soldiers seeking better prospects. By utilizing local recruitment networks, Russia convinced many of them to fight against Ukrainians. And soldiers from Cameroon's modernized, professional army, experienced in fighting terrorists and pirates, are more attractive to the Kremlin than supposedly 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 Defense.
