Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, numerous African individuals have reportedly joined the Russian military. While some enlisted voluntarily through private firms contracted by the Kremlin, others were allegedly deceived with false promises. A Cameroonian man, believing he was going to Russia for non-combat work, has exposed what he describes as human trafficking.
Samuel (name changed), a former employee of Cameroon’s Ministry of Lands, recounted his ordeal. In May 2024, a friend introduced him to a recruitment agency promising lucrative jobs in Russia. The offer included roles such as cleaning and cooking at a military camp, along with significant pay and bonuses. Lured by this promise, Samuel and others paid a hefty fee of 2.5 million CFA francs (€3,830) to secure their passage.
However, upon arrival in Russia, he was handed a Kalashnikov instead of cleaning supplies. Samuel and others, including many North and sub-Saharan Africans, were sent to Ukraine after brief training. Their contracts, reportedly fraudulent, left them underpaid, with deductions allegedly benefiting Russian commanders. Samuel claims African recruits are deployed on the most dangerous missions, often with inadequate equipment, while Russian troops remain in safer zones.
Samuel reached out to Cameroon’s embassy, only to be ignored. He accuses the diplomatic service of complicity in covering up human trafficking. While countries like India have successfully repatriated citizens trapped in similar situation.
Samuel has lost friends and colleagues to the war. Of the five who traveled with him, three are dead, one escaped after injury, and Samuel himself has sustained multiple wounds. Families back home remain desperate for information, with one wife saying her husband left Cameroon for what he thought was a security job, only to end up fighting in Ukraine.
African recruits face grueling conditions, including threats of torture for retreating. Some resort to injuring themselves to avoid combat, while others hide among the dead to evade drones. The Russian army, Samuel says, uses Africans as “cannon fodder” in high-risk missions. Equipment disparities also exist, with Russian troops retaining advanced technology like drone jammers for themselves.
Reports from multiple sources, including Ukrainian intelligence and international media, suggest Africans are among many foreign nationals lured into Russian service. Some are offered contracts promising substantial pay, health insurance, and even Russian citizenship. Others, like ex-rebels or detainees, are allegedly coerced into service.
Despite the risks, Samuel is determined to expose these practices, hoping to dissuade others from falling into similar traps. He appeals to African governments and communities to address this exploitation and prevent further loss of life.
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