Russia confirms 16 Cameroonians killed fighting in Ukraine.

In one of the letters, which The Guardian Post read through, the Ministry of External Relations, MINREX, referenced return sheet No.29/26 of March 5, 2026, from the Russian embassy in Yaounde, detailing the deaths.

The letter recalled that the Russian diplomatic service had noted that the concerned had died while fighting in a special military operation zone. 

The ministry, in the note, indicated that dispositions are underway to contact the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu, issued an announcement yesterday not unconnected to the issue. 

In the release, he identified certain persons of Cameroonian nationality living in the Russian Federation and asked members of their families to contact the Ministry.

Mbayu directed the concerned families to contact the Division of Cameroonians Living Abroad, Foreigners Living in Cameroon, Refugees and Migration Questions for details. 

The names cited in one of the two Mbayu-signed releases are; Gbotto Eebehidi Junior, Ngouyamsa Nannoungnom Loukouman, Tioguim Tangmo Fabrice Thibault, Misna Ayina Francois, Ematy Ehowe Serge Ivan, Kamdem Stephane Arsene, Nzougue Biboum Constantin Lebou and Ndam Nkikam Abibou.

Other names on the list as indicated by Minister Mbayu are; Ndeuchoua Gaston Junior,Fotso Sengue Cyrile Raoul, Douanla Nkembeng Aubin,Ewan Lesly Kimbo, Ekomo Aime Junior Nebengu, Njaboum Tchouma Perkins, Awamon Alain Bertin and Achomnou Noudjagom Rodest.

In another release  issued same Monday,  the minister also called for the relatives of; Kassi Sipowa Christian, Abdourahman Mouktar, Talla Talla Thibaut  Vivien, Tsafack Ngomsi Martin and Njifouata Mouiche Dalouta to reach out to the Ministry of External Relations.

Mbayu, in both announcements, also urged members of the public who know the persons he identified in the release to inform them. 

Unlike the Russian retain sheet cited in a statement from the Ministry referencing March 5, 2026, which clearly indicated that compatriots have died fighting against Ukraine, Mbayu’s releases rather just invite the families of the persons whose names he cited.

In February this year, the investigative group, All Eyes on Wagner, AEOW, had released a report, disclosing that at least 94 Cameroonians fighting for Russia in its war with Ukraine had been killed. 

In the finding released then, AEOW, also disclosed that there are at least 335 Cameroonians who have been conscripted into the Russian military.

The report had also indicated that there are at least 1,417 fighters from 35 nations in Africa on the side of Russia, on the war front against Ukraine. 

The same Group then indicated that the number was recruited between 2023 and the first half of 2025. It added that some 316 of such Africans fighting for Russia have been killed.

Monday’s announcements are the first government communication on the issue of Cameroonians enlisted in Russian military, in its war with Ukraine.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3753 of Tuesday April 07, 2026