Cameroon is the latest African country to reach an agreement with Russia on military cooperation, which was inked last week in Moscow by the two nations’ defense ministers.

According to reports, the agreement would involve arms, information collection, and training, as well as the exchange of UN personnel.

Many Cameroonians are unsurprised. Additionally, the nation looks to have been edging closer to Russia diplomatically and economically, having abstained from a UN vote condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

However, many in Cameroon have criticized the timing of the accord, which came during Russia’s belligerence towards its neighbor and charges of war crimes.

France, Cameroon’s former colonial power, has historically been the country’s primary military, economic, and diplomatic partner.

However, with this current contract with Russia and past acquisitions of military gear from China, President Paul Biya appears to be diversifying his sources of support rather than cutting ties with France.

This weaponry is aimed at combating instability in the nation, with the Russian envoy already pledging help for the battle against Boko Haram insurgents in the north.

Another significant crisis in the country’s Anglophone areas – where separatists have waged war in recent years – has resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 people and the displacement of at least 765,000.

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