The desertion of Cameroonian soldiers to fight in Ukraine poses significant risks to military stability and regional security. Highlighted by the Defence Minister, this trend reflects financial motives and dissatisfaction with current military conditions, complicating recruitment and operational effectiveness. Measures are needed to curb desertions and improve soldiers’ circumstances.
The phenomenon of soldiers deserting from the Cameroon military to fight in Ukraine has significantly compromised the operational capabilities of various African armed forces and destabilized their respective nations. The trend, highlighted by Cameroon’s Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo in a statement from 7 March, indicates increasing cases of soldiers abandoning their posts for conflict areas since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Cameroon faces numerous security threats, yet no official statistics detail the desertion rates. The issue, though not new, is particularly troubling given ongoing challenges from Boko Haram and rebels from the Central African Republic, as well as maritime piracy and the Anglophone crisis. Desertion trends reportedly began in the late 2010s, with a significant number of elite unit soldiers leaving for more lucrative opportunities in Dubai.
By 2018, estimates suggested that between 300 and 800 soldiers had deserted, with media reporting in 2020 that 637 soldiers faced dismissal due to their absences. In response, the Defence Minister had suspended overseas missions temporarily. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has emerged as a new avenue attracting those seeking better prospects.
This new wave of desertions is especially concerning as soldiers are leaving to engage in a high-intensity conflict. Through local recruitment networks, Russia has successfully attracted a number of Cameroonian soldiers, with many reporting wages of XAF 1.2 million to XAF 2 million per month, inclusive of sign-on bonuses and family life insurance.
The motivations behind these departures are deeply rooted in the professionalization of the military, initiated in 2001, which transformed military service from a patriotic duty to a job perceived through the lens of economic viability. Soldiers now have contracts ranging from three to ten years, although most are re-enlisted automatically.
Financial factors play a pivotal role in desertions. The average monthly salary of a second-class Cameroonian private is only XAF 51,880, whereas Russian forces offer substantial remuneration for service in combat zones, suggesting a disparity that influences soldiers’ decisions.
Furthermore, soldiers also express unease about escalating workloads in Cameroon amidst persistent threats. As the military’s commitments increase, the desertion of personnel is indicative of broader emigration trends affecting many sectors in Cameroon, with thousands seeking opportunities abroad in countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
The subsequent exodus exacerbates recruitment challenges for the army, weakening its operational capacity and cohesion. Notably, figures within the military have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of returning deserters, who may possess skills that could threaten national security.
To mitigate these issues, Cameroon’s Defence Minister has proposed stricter regulations governing military personnel, including enhanced scrutiny and punitive measures against deserters. Additionally, there is a call for a loyalty strategy aimed at retaining competent soldiers and improving soldiers’ conditions of service, alongside the implementation of better compensation practices.
In summary, the desertion of Cameroonian soldiers to partake in the conflict in Ukraine represents a multifaceted challenge that undermines military stability and national security. Driven by financial incentives and dissatisfaction with current conditions, these desertions highlight broader issues of professionalization and recruitment within the armed forces. Effective measures must be implemented to address the operational weaknesses and to cultivate a more resilient military workforce.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
