Cameroon 'military contractors' killed in Russia-Ukraine war - BBC confirms leaked memo

Sixteen Cameroonians have been confirmed killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to a recently leaked diplomatic note verified by the foreign ministry. The document describes the deceased as 'military contractors' and marks the first official acknowledgment of Cameroonian nationals' involvement in the conflict. A report states that 94 Cameroonians died in the war between 2023 and 2025, while the government faces criticism for its prolonged silence on the issue.