Moscow:The third Russia-Africa Summit is set to commence tomorrow, bringing together a delegation of African leaders, including representatives from Cameroon, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Delegates from over 30 countries are expected to attend the summit, which occurs amid global political tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the summit is happening as the war in Ukraine approaches its fifth year, with many Africans, including Cameroonians, becoming involved in the conflict on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides. Reports indicate that Cameroonians are the largest group of African recruits in the Russian army, with a Swiss investigative organization's February report documenting 94 Cameroonian deaths. Concerns have been raised about whether the Cameroonian delegation will address these casualties with President Putin during the summit.
Cameroonian political analyst and journalist Franklin Sone Bayen suggests that it is unlikely the issue will be raised, citing Cameroon’s traditionally non-combative diplomatic approach. Bayen highlights the country’s policy of non-alignment and non-interference. Despite inquiries to the Ministry of External Relations for comment, no response has been received.
The summit follows recent findings by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, which reported on Russian recruitment of foreign nationals, including Cameroonians. These findings were presented to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee just before the summit. Meanwhile, previous summit promises by Russia to increase trade with Africa have not fully materialized, with trade figures falling short of targets.
The Alabuga Start program, marketed as a cultural exchange, has been criticized for its role in involving African women in the conflict, with some ending up in drone manufacturing plants. The silence of President Paul Biya’s government on these issues reflects Cameroon’s strategic dependence on Russia, as noted by both Bayen and Professor Victor Julius Ngoh. They argue that Cameroon’s government is unlikely to challenge Russia due to its significant military and political ties with the country.
As the summit opens, the exact number of Cameroonian casualties remains uncertain, but the issue underscores the complex diplomatic considerations facing Cameroon’s leaders in their dealings with Russia.