Moscow: Russia organized its first ever International Security Forum May 26 to 29 in Moscow. Cameroon's ambassador to the Russian Federation, Mahamat Paba Sale attended the event - showing proximity to a country where many Cameroonian citizens have continued to lose their lives without any condemnation or calls for intervention from Yaoundé. According to Cameroon News Agency, Cameroonians have been dying in Ukraine on behalf of Russia, with neither Moscow nor Yaoundé showing signs of willingness to intervene for the safety of ordinary Cameroonians. This stance by both countries is influenced by their diplomatic ties and interests, as Moscow seeks to reduce casualties among its own citizens by relying on foreign fighters, many of whom are enticed by promises of better pay and opportunities. Meanwhile, Yaoundé benefits from security interests guaranteed by Moscow. Caught in this situation, Cameroonians, escaping poverty under President Biya's lengthy regime, find themselves risking their lives often without a ny military experience. Gwain Colbert, a Cameroonian journalist and political analyst, points out that Cameroon has military and cooperation agreements with Russia and relies on Moscow's support in matters at the UN Security Council. He also notes Cameroon's historical lack of attention to its citizens abroad in dangerous situations, citing examples of other nations being more proactive in similar circumstances. The issue of Cameroonian soldiers defecting to join the Russian army is complex, as the Cameroonian government does not support its soldiers fighting for Russia, given its own military needs at home. It remains uncertain if Ambassador Paba Sale addressed the recruitment and subsequent deaths of Cameroonian fighters at the forum, despite its significant security implications. A February 2026 report by international journalists revealed that nearly 1,000 Cameroonian men had died in Ukraine, fighting for Russia, marking the highest death toll among African nationalities. Yet, Cameroon's Ministry of Ext ernal Relations only acknowledged 16 deaths in an April 2026 statement, and recent statistics are unavailable, though numbers are likely higher by July 2026. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that over 180 delegations, including security officials and international organization representatives, attended the forum. Despite Western isolation, Russia maintains alliances with Global South countries like Cameroon. TV BRICS reports that forum discussions involved representatives from Russia, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam, focusing on a multipolar world, trust-building, and rules for emerging technologies. However, concrete commitments on international security remain unclear, raising questions about whose security is prioritized. For critics, the real measure of Cameroon's foreign policy is not its participation in high-level forums but its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. Without stronger actions, the increasing death toll threatens to overshadow the diplo matic significance of such events.
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