Madar (Yaounde) - Families in Cameroon held a peaceful march in Yaounde on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, to the Russian embassy, calling for the repatriation of relatives allegedly recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, Africanews reported.
The group "Bring Back Our Sons and Brothers" demanded action from both Moscow and the Cameroonian government, urging the two countries to dismantle what it described as clandestine recruitment networks targeting Cameroonians with promises of jobs in Russia.
Families say some relatives were promised civilian work but ended up on the front line in Ukraine. One woman who has not heard from her husband for nine months said she wants the truth about his fate and is demanding his return.
According to a report by the All Eyes on Wagner collective, at least 1,417 Africans have been recruited into the Russian army, with more than 300 reportedly killed.
The campaign's organisers called for closer cooperation between Cameroon and Russia to stop further recruitment. In February, Russia facilitated the return of 17 South Africans who had been fighting in Ukraine.
