Increasing Desertions of Cameroonian Soldiers to Ukraine: A…

Desertions among Cameroonian soldiers to fight in Ukraine threaten military stability and operational capacity. Driven by financial incentives, many soldiers abandon their posts, exacerbated by working conditions and the lure of lucrative offers from foreign entities. The situation highlights a broader trend of migration among skilled professionals from Cameroon, leading to urgent calls for military reforms and better conditions to retain enlisted personnel.

The issue of Cameroonian soldiers deserting to join the conflict in Ukraine poses a significant threat to the operational capacity of the military and the stability of Cameroon. The trend, which has intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was emphasized in a statement by Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo on 7 March, highlighting that many are drawn by the prospect of foreign involvement, particularly with Russia’s recruitment of former soldiers.

Desertions began in the late 2010s, fueled by soldiers seeking lucrative job offers in Dubai. By 2018, reports indicated a desertion of between 300 and 800 soldiers, and in 2020, media covered that 637 faced dismissal for similar reasons. Current conflicts offer soldiers new opportunities for financial gain, appealing to both their desire for higher pay and incentive bonuses.

The increasing allure of joining active war zones, particularly under Russian command, disrupts military operations. Many soldiers have shared that they can earn between XAF 1.2 million ($1,976) and XAF 2 million ($3,294) monthly with added benefits that far surpass their current salaries in the Cameroonian military, which hover around XAF 51,880 ($85) per month.

The professionalization of Cameroon’s military since 2001 has rendered soldiers’ motives less patriotic and more economically driven. With contracts being short-term and many soldiers unaware of the complexities involved, the military landscape in Cameroon is changing, emphasizing financial motivations over traditional allegiance to the state.

Numerous soldiers face heavy workloads and life-threatening duties, pushing new recruits to reconsider their commitments. This wave of desertions mirrors a broader trend of talented individuals, including professionals in healthcare and education, seeking opportunities abroad for better pay and stability.

The desertions have exacerbated recruitment challenges, weakening unit integrity within the military. With a significant loss of personnel—especially those with combat experience—the effectiveness and morale of Cameroonian defenses are critically at risk. Concerns mount about combat-experienced deserters potentially turning their skills against national interests.

In response, Defence Minister Assomo has initiated stricter oversight on military personnel and increased regulations to prevent desertions, including mandatory ministerial approval for soldiers wishing to leave the country. Furthermore, enhancing conditions for service members, improving troop rotations, and considering salary adjustments could help retain skilled soldiers.

Ultimately, addressing the root causes of these desertions is essential, with a focus on introducing supportive measures for soldiers transitioning into civilian careers, alongside institutional reforms aimed at bettering their overall conditions in the military.

The desertion of Cameroonian soldiers to partake in the Ukraine war significantly undermines the military’s capability and national security. Driven by financial motivations and deteriorating conditions, soldiers are leaving their posts in search of better opportunities abroad. Without effective interventions to enhance working conditions and retain personnel, the nation faces escalating challenges in upholding security and operational integrity. Stricter oversight and improved compensation strategies may be vital to curbing this trend.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com