World · Africa · 8 hrs ago
Cameroon families demand return of relatives recruited to fight for Russia
Families in Cameroon are demanding relatives be brought back from Ukraine, where they say the relatives were recruited to fight for Russia.
On Wednesday, a group called Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers marched peacefully to the Russian embassy in Yaoundé.
The families say some people were promised civilian jobs in Russia but ended up on the front line.
They are urging Russia and Cameroon to dismantle alleged recruitment networks and prevent more people from being recruited.
A report by the All Eyes on Wagner collective says at least 1,417 Africans have been recruited into the Russian army, with more than 300 reportedly killed.
One woman said she has not heard from her husband for nine months and wants to know what happened to him.
Organisers are calling for closer cooperation between the two governments, but no further action is specified.
Cameroonian families are demanding the return of relatives allegedly recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
The “Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers” collective marched to the Russian embassy in Yaoundé on Wednesday, 28 October.
Protesters urged Russia and Cameroon to dismantle recruitment networks that allegedly lured people with promises of civilian jobs.
Families say some recruits were sent to the front line, and one woman has not heard from her husband for nine months.
A report by the All Eyes on Wagner collective said at least 1,417 Africans had been recruited into the Russian army and more than 300 were reportedly killed.
- Who
- Cameroonian families and the “Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers” collective.
- What
- They are demanding the return of relatives allegedly recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
- When
- Wednesday, 28 October. The article was published on 29 October 2026.
- Where
- The march went to the Russian embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Why
- Families say relatives were promised civilian work but ended up fighting on the front line in Ukraine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Russia facilitated the return of 17 South Africans who had been fighting in Ukraine.
The “Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers” collective held a peaceful march to the Russian embassy in Yaoundé.
- March date
- Wednesday, 28 October
- March location
- Russian embassy, Yaoundé
- Reported African recruits
- At least 1,417
- Reported deaths
- More than 300 Africans reportedly killed
- Missing contact
- One woman said she had not heard from her husband for nine months
What people are saying
Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers