The desertion of Cameroonian soldiers to fight in Ukraine is exacerbating military instability in the region. Soldiers are lured by better financial prospects, high salaries, and combat experience, raising concerns about national security. Measures are needed to address desertions, including stricter oversight and improved conditions for military personnel.
The desertion of soldiers from Cameroon to engage in the conflict in Ukraine has significant implications for the operational capacity of various African militaries and the stability of the nations involved. While this trend is not unprecedented, recent events following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated the issue, as highlighted by Cameroon’s Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo on 7 March. The soldiers defecting are primarily those seeking to join Russia’s military efforts, with only a minority joining Ukraine as foreign volunteers.
Cameroon’s military faces multiple threats, including Boko Haram and Central African Republic rebels, making the desertion issue particularly troubling. Desertions initiated in the late 2010s, notably when elite soldiers left for Dubai, attracted by financial incentives to provide security for affluent Emiratis. By 2020, media reports indicated that 637 soldiers were facing dismissal for desertion. The ongoing Ukrainian conflict now presents further temptations for soldiers in search of improved prospects.
A notable aspect of these recent desertions is the willingness of soldiers to leave their posts for the intensifying war in Ukraine. Russia has successfully recruited Cameroonian troops, offering substantial monthly salaries ranging from XAF 1.2 million ($1,976) to XAF 2 million ($3,294), which is far superior to their current pay. The allure of life insurance benefits and a promising Russian passport enhance this appeal.
The professionalization of the Cameroonian military, initiated in 2001, has altered soldiers’ perceptions of their roles. They no longer serve solely out of patriotism but view military service as a viable livelihood, according to distinguished sociologist Augustin Hamon. This shift has cultivated a skilled military, yet it may have inadvertently led to increased desertions as soldiers seek better financial outcomes elsewhere.
Furthermore, military duties in Cameroon have become increasingly treacherous, leading many soldiers to reconsider their commitments. The escalating workload and exposure to danger have contributed to soldiers contemplating defection. This trend mirrors broader patterns of brain drain within the country, with various professionals seeking opportunities abroad, complicating recruitment efforts and exacerbating desertion rates.
From January to May 2024, the International Organization for Migration reported that over 7,000 Cameroonians emigrated, underlining the concerns of the Cameroonian Employers Council and President Paul Biya about talent loss. This exodus challenges recruitment as the army struggles with a high desertion rate, thus weakening its operational capacity significantly.
Cameroonian authorities are particularly distressed by the prospect of returnees from Ukraine utilizing their combat experience against national security interests. In response, Defence Minister Assomo has called for stringent oversight of military personnel and reinforced regulations governing soldiers wishing to leave the country, requiring direct authorization from the minister.
To address the pressing desertion crisis, the Cameroonian military should consider implementing strategies to enhance loyalty among soldiers, improve conditions for those stationed in high-pressure regions, and focus on retention of specialized personnel. Careful attention should also be given to salary improvements, as military salaries, despite being higher than civilian wages, must better reflect the challenging nature of their duties and align with measures previously promised by the president during notable military events.
In conclusion, the desertions of Cameroonian soldiers to participate in the Ukraine conflict highlight significant challenges within the military. Financial motivations, unsafe working conditions, and a shift in soldiers’ perceptions of military service contribute to this troubling trend. It is essential for the Cameroonian government and military leadership to devise effective strategies to retain personnel and improve their working conditions to mitigate further desertions and ensure national security.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
