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Genesis: Historical research
Reference:

The Cameroonian - Russian Relation: Main Directions and Priorities (1960-2022).

Aua Jeremaih Acuro

ORCID: 0000-0002-8085-0894

Postgraduate student, Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia

117198, Russia, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 15, sq. 14

acuro96@gmail.com
Other publications by this author
 

 

DOI:

10.25136/2409-868X.2023.5.40777

EDN:

ORPZEI

Received:

18-05-2023


Published:

31-05-2023


Abstract: This article examines the main directions and priorities of Cameroonian-Russian relations from 1960 to 2022. In recent years, Russia has sought to expand its presence in Africa, and Cameroon has become a key partner in the region. The author analyzes the historical background of the relationship, including key events and milestones that have shaped this partnership over time. It also examines the political, economic and cultural aspects of the relationship, highlighting the main areas of cooperation and the challenges both countries face. The author concludes with a discussion of the future prospects of Russian-Cameroonian relations. The historical background of the relationship has played a key role in the success of this partnership, and both countries have demonstrated a desire to strengthen cooperation. However, the relationship faces a number of challenges, including a lack of direct air service and limited knowledge of the Russian language and culture in Cameroon. As a net importer, Cameroon must explore the Russian market to increase its exports to ensure a trade balance. Looking ahead, Cameroonian-Russian relations are likely to continue to develop, and both countries will seek to expand cooperation and deepen their partnership in the coming years, as they both share the same ideological and moral values.


Keywords:

Cameroon-Russia relations, Foreign policy, Bilateral trade, Cultural exchanges, Soviet Union, Post-Soviet era, military cooperation, Diplomacy, agreements, educational development

Theoretical Framework.

This paper is based on the theoretical framework of international relations, which seeks to understand the interactions between states and their impact on the global system. The study of international relations involves analyzing the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of state relationships and the factors that shape them. In this paper, we apply this theoretical framework to the Cameroonian-Russian relation, examining the main directions and priorities of this partnership and the challenges faced by both countries.

Introduction.

The Cameroonian-Russian relationship dates back to the early 1960s when Cameroon gained independence from France. Since then, the two countries have maintained a close partnership, with cooperation in various fields such as politics, economics, military and culture. This partnership has gone through different phases, including the Soviet era, the post-Soviet period, and the current period of Russia's increased engagement with Africa.

The policy of Cameroon in Russia can be seen as a continuation of a historical legitimacy based on USSR involvement in the decolonization of various African countries, and the promotion of principles such as peace, democracy, and neutrality as the basis of partnership with Cameroon. Despite being geographically and culturally different, Russia and Cameroon share some common aspects in their foreign policy priorities, such as opposing hegemony and advocating global and regional security. Both countries believe that international conflicts should be resolved through dialogue based on trust, mutual benefit, equality, and cooperation, with the guiding principles being the primacy of international law, equality, and the independence of states[1]. Cameroon's policy towards Europe is based on two main poles: the liberal western pole centered around France, and the Soviet-Russian one centered around Russia as the heir of the USSR. Cameroon, which gained independence during the military-ideological confrontation that divided Europe into two opposing blocs, pursued a policy of non-alignment and sought to establish diplomatic bridges between the two communist and liberal worlds.[2]

The historical background of the Cameroonian-Russian relation

The Cameroonian-Russian relationship started in 1960 when Cameroon gained independence from France. The Soviet Union recognized Cameroon's independence and established diplomatic relations with the country on February 20, 1964. During the Soviet era, the two countries maintained a close partnership, with cooperation in various fields such as education, health, and infrastructure.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cameroonian-Russian relation went through a period of uncertainty. However, in recent years, Russia has increased its engagement with Africa, including Cameroon. bilateral cooperation has been revitalized, with the recognition of the Russian Federation as the successor country to the former USSR on 14 January 1992[3]. Moscow and Yaoundé have defined bilateral cooperation as a priority, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2011 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to organize political consultations. Both countries are now cooperating in various fields, and their relationship is developing.

Political and diplomatic dimension of the Cameroonian-Russian relation

The Cameroonian-Russian relation has a strong political dimension, with both countries collaborating on various issues of mutual interest. The establishment of diplomatic relations between Cameroon and Russia occurred following Cameroon's attainment of international sovereignty. The year 1964 holds significant importance in this regard. From this date until 2022, the two countries will intensify exchanges of Ambassadors, as evidenced by those currently in positions, namely: HE Anatoly Gennadievitch Bashkin, eleventh Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation in Yaoundé, appointed in 2017 and, HE Mahamat Paba Sale, Eleventh Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cameroon in Moscow since 2008[4].

Relations between Russia and Cameroon have witnessed several diplomatic visits in Moscow and in Cameroon. The major ones include the visit in Yaoundé of His Excellency Mr. Alexandre Makarenko, Ambassador and Director of the Africa Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in April 2007 as part of the 6th session of political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon. Similarly, in August 2007, Victor Vassilev, Deputy Director of the Department of International Organizations of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Yaoundé for Partial Consultations between the two countries. These visits were productive.[5] In February 2013, talks took place in Moscow involving S. Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and P.M. Mbonjo, the Minister of External Relations of Cameroon.[6]

In June 2014, a meeting was held in Yaounde which involved the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, M.L. Bogdanov, who was also received by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon P. Yang. On October 16, 2017, further discussions were held in Moscow between M. Bogdanov and J. D.Ngute, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon, responsible for relations with the Commonwealth.[7]

In general, the political and diplomatic interactions between Russia and Cameroon have been successful since the inception of their relationship. This is evidenced by the presence of diplomatic missions in both Yaoundé and Moscow, as well as the continuation of diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level.

Economic and commercial dimension

The economic dimension of the Cameroonian-Russian relation has been characterized by cooperation in various fields, including energy, mining, and agriculture. In recent years, Russia has shown interest in investing in Cameroon's energy sector, particularly in the construction of a nuclear power plant.

The attraction of post-bipolar isolationism in Russia, which was acknowledged by Cameroon a year later in 1992, had significant negative effects on their relationship. This hindered their ability to maintain good economic and commercial relations. There were two primary reasons for the deterioration of the Russian-African relationship: the significant reduction of investments and the termination of Russian aid programs in Africa.[8]

The return of Russia to Africa has been marked by many economic cooperation with Sub-Saharan African states. Numerous Russian mining companies are leading the way in Africa. For instance, Alrosa Company, which is among the biggest international diamond producers, operates in multiple mines in Angola. In April 2019, the Russian company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Angolan government to expand its operations and conduct new joint explorations with British companies in Botswana and Zimbabwe to discover additional diamond deposits.[9] The Russian company Lukoil is one of the most beneficiaries of Moscow’s expansion into Africa. This oil and gas group also operates in Cameroon. In 2019, a delegation of Russian oil operator Lukoil’s executives was received by the Cameroonian Minister of Water and Energy Gaston Eloundou Essomba to discuss about the reconstruction of the national refining company Sonara.[10]

In trade relations with Russia, Cameroon is a net importer according to a report published by the Cameroon's National Institute of Statistics (INS)[11] Cameroon's primary imports from Russia are wheat, which constitutes 65% of the country's total imports. According to INS, Russia is the leading supplier of wheat to Cameroon. Fertilizers make up 17% of Cameroon's imports from Russia, with Russia being the leading supplier of fertilizers with a 43% market share, compared to China's 11%. Hydrocarbons account for 8% of imports, while iron, cast iron, and steel products make up 4%. Russia's highly active trade with Cameroon has established it as the 8th largest supplier to Cameroon in 2020, with 3% of the market share. Other major suppliers include China (17.5%), France (8.5%), Belgium (5.6%), India (5%), and the United States (4.4%).[12]

Technical and military dimension

The military cooperation between Russia and Cameroon is multifaceted. It includes the training of Cameroonian military personnel in Russian military academies, the supply of Russian military equipment and weapons to Cameroon, and joint military exercises.

An agreement pertaining to military cooperation between Russia and Cameroon was signed in 2015 under their bilateral framework. Under the agreement, both parties agreed to exchange opinions and information regarding defense policies and international security. They also committed to developing their relationship through joint training, medicine, topography, and military hydrography. Additionally, they agreed to share experiences and collaborate in peace support operations under the United Nations' supervision.[13]

Russia is one of Cameroon's primary suppliers of military equipment and weapons. In 2019, Cameroon signed a contract with Russian Rosoboronexport for the supply of twelve Mi-17 helicopters, which are used for troop transport and medical evacuation. Russia has also supplied Cameroon with T-72 and T-90 tanks and BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles. This can be justified by the need of Cameroon to overcome attackes from the terrorist group, Boko Haram.[14]

Training of Cameroonian military personnel is a significant component of military cooperation between Russia and Cameroon. The Russian government provides scholarships to Cameroonian military officers to study in Russian military academies. Cameroonian officers have been trained in various fields, including engineering, aviation, and military medicine.[15]

Joint military exercises between Russia and Cameroon have been held regularly. In 2016, joint military exercises were held in Cameroon, which involved Russian and Cameroonian special forces. The exercises focused on counterterrorism operations and the rescue of hostages.[16]

Scientific and cultural dimension

The Cameroonian-Russian relation has a strong cultural dimension, with both countries collaborating on various cultural projects. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Soviet Union provided aid to Cameroon in the form of infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Ngaoundéré-Yaoundé railway. The Soviet Union also provided technical assistance to Cameroon in the areas of agriculture, health, and education. On March 22, 1963, an agreement was reached between the two nations to facilitate and enhance their cultural and scientific interactions. This sector continues to play a crucial and meaningful role in the relationship between the two countries.

In 1992, the Russian Center of Science and Culture was established in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. The center promotes Russian language and culture in Cameroon through a variety of programs, including language courses, cultural events, and exhibitions.[17] In addition to the Russian Center of Science and Culture, there are also a number of Cameroonian-Russian cultural exchange programs. For example, the Cameroonian Association of Russian Language and Culture (CARLC) was established in 2007 to promote cultural exchange between Cameroon and Russia. The association organizes cultural events, language courses, and other activities to promote Russian language and culture in Cameroon.[18]

Russia and Cameroon have also collaborated on a number of scientific projects over the years. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Soviet Union provided technical assistance to Cameroon in the areas of agriculture, health, and education. More recently, Russia has provided technical assistance to Cameroon in the areas of energy and mining.[19]

In 2018, Russia and Cameroon signed a cooperation agreement in the field of science and technology. The agreement aims to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries through joint research projects, exchange programs, and other initiatives.[20] In addition to the cooperation agreement, there are also a number of bilateral scientific exchange programs between Russia and Cameroon. For example, the Russian Academy of Sciences has established partnerships with a number of Cameroonian universities and research institutions to promote scientific exchange and collaboration.

Russia has been successful in establishing a credible reputation in the realm of higher education, which is a crucial aspect of its soft power in Cameroon. Since 1990, the Russian government, through Rossotrudnichestvo, has provided an average of 20 scholarships annually to Cameroonian students. The primary objective of these scholarships is to produce a substantial number of individuals who are proficient in Russian language and possess expertise in various fields, which they can then disseminate upon their return to Cameroon. The reception of Cameroonian students in Russia is facilitated by a coordinated effort between the governments of Cameroon and Russia. The table below gives an illustrative directory:

Year

1990/

1991

1996/

1997

1997/ 1998

1998/

1999

1999/

2000

2000/

2001

2001/

2002

2002/

2003

2003/

2004

Number of Scholarships

32

15

25

25

30

25

25

25

25

2004/

2005

2005/

2006

2006

2007

2007/

2008

2008/

2009

2009/ 2010

2010/ 2011

2011/

2012

2012/

2013

2013/

2014

35

20

20

20

20

20

/

/

08

11

2014/

2015

2015/

2016

2016/

2017

2017/2018

2018/

2019

2019/2020

2020/

2021

2021/

2022

2022/

2023

2023/ 2024

20

20

25

40

45

47

40

100

Source: Ministry of Higher Education of Cameroon

Russia maintained its scholarship program with Cameroon, but was reluctant to finance it during 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 due to economic problems. On behalf of the 2023/2024 Academic year, 100 scholarships are allocated for Cameroon under the budget of the Russian Federation, indicating the intensity of their cooperation

Challenges faced by the Cameroonian-Russian relation

Despite the strong partnership between Cameroon and Russia, the relationship has faced several challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of a direct air link between the two countries, which hinders trade and tourism. Another challenge is the limited knowledge of the Russian language and culture in Cameroon, which limits the scope of cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Conclusion:

The Cameroonian-Russian relation has been characterized by a strong partnership in various fields such as politics, economics, and culture. The historical background of the relationship has played a crucial role in the success of this partnership, and both countries have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their cooperation. However, the relationship has faced several challenges, including the lack of a direct air link and the limited knowledge of the Russian language and culture in Cameroon. The future prospects of the Cameroonian-Russian relation are promising, particularly with Russia's increased engagement with Africa. However, both countries need to address the challenges facing their partnership to ensure its long-term sustainability. The upcoming Russia-Africa summit and economic forum schedule for July 2023 in Saint Petersburg are generating significant interest, and it is crucial that they serve a more significant purpose than a mere ceremonial event. Rather than a formality, this summit should act as a catalyst to expand the Russian-Cameroonian relations.

References
1. MFARF (2013a), "Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. Approved by President of the Russian Federation V. Putin on 12 February 2013, "Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation, Moscow.
2. Chouala, Y-A, Cameroon's foreign policy. Doctrine, actors, processes and regional dynamics, Paris, Karthala, 2014.
3. Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cameroon. link: https://cameroun.mid.ru/ru/kamerun/.
4. MINREX : http://www.diplocam.cm/.
5. Jean Cottin Kouma,-Bilateral relations between Cameroon and the Russian Federation, 2016.
6. About negotiations of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo. URL: https://archive.mid.ru/en/web/guest/maps/cm/-/asset_publisher/2xrrL7GWsmQ5/content/id/120518 (date of access: 21.05.2020).
7. Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov’s consultations with Joseph Dion-Ngute, Minister Delegate of the Cameroon Ministry of External Affairs in Charge of the Commonwealth. URL: https://archive.mid.ru/en/web/guest/maps/cm/-/asset_publisher/2xrrL7GWsmQ5/content/id/2904479 (date of access: 21.05.2020).
8. Ndongo Nlate J.M.-PhD dissertation/ Foreign policy of the Republic of Cameroon in 1960-2021: Priorities and features.
9. Ahmed Elbassoussy; The growing Russian role in sub-Saharan Africa: interests, opportunities and limitations/ and Applied Social Sciences Volume 4 Issue 3. link: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JHASS-11-2020-0210/full/html.
10. Business in Cameroon: Russian Lukoil in Cameroon to negotiate the reconstruction of Sonara. Link: https://www.businessincameroon.com/economy/0702-9948-russian-lukoil-in-cameroon-to-negotiate-the-reconstruction-of-sonara.
11. National institute of statistics: https://ins-cameroun.cm/en/types-de-document/rapports/.
12. Cameroon National shippers council: link: https://www.cncc.cm/en/article/cameroon-buys-a-lot-from-russia-and-ukraine-but-sells-them-almost-nothing-273.
13. Jean Cottin Kouma, Book: Le bilaterisme Russo-Camerounais. LINK: https://www.editions-harmattan.fr/livre-le_bilateralisme_russo_camerounais_vers_un_veritable_partenariat_strategique_jean_cottin_gelin_kouma-9782140277573-73772.html.
14. Gelin K. J. C. Cameroon fighting Boko Haram. Вестник Российского университета дружбы народов. Серия: Международные отношения. 2017. Vol. 17, no 4. P. 727-737.
15. "Cameroon military officers trained in Russia." DefenceWeb. 28 September 2018.
16. "Russia, Cameroon hold joint anti-terror exercise." TASS. 16 November 2016.
17. "Russia, Cameroon Sign Cooperation Agreement in Science and Technology." TASS, 2018. https://tass.com/science/1030381.
18. "Cameroon-Russia: The CARLC to Promote Russian Language and Culture." Cameroon Tribune, 2007. https://www.cameroon-tribune.cm/article.html/3263/en.html.
19. "Russia, Cameroon to Boost Ties in Energy, Mining." Xinhua,2019.http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/09/c_138459979.htm.
20. "Russia, Cameroon Sign Cooperation Agreement in Science and Technology." TASS, 2018. https://tass.com/science/10303

Peer Review

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The events of recent years have been described by various analysts – philosophers, political scientists, sociologists – as a key moment in the transition from a monopolar world led by the United States to a multipolar world in which a number of actors, including Beijing, Moscow, New Delhi, and Tehran, will play leading positions. At the same time, this transition cannot be simple, it is characterized by a temporary aggravation of the international situation, which is reflected in a series of crises: This includes the spread of local conflict zones, the intensification of the activities of various extremist and radical groups, and the proliferation of contradictions between the "North" and the "South". An important role in the formation of a multipolar world belongs to Russia, which is also noted by foreign observers. In this regard, it is important to study various aspects of relations between Russia and individual countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These circumstances determine the relevance of the article submitted for review, the subject of which is Cameroonian-Russian relations. The author aims to show the historical background of relations between the two countries, analyze the political, cultural and economic interaction between them, as well as identify problems in cooperation between Moscow and Yaound?. The work is based on the principles of analysis and synthesis, reliability, objectivity, the methodological basis of the research is a systematic approach, which is based on the consideration of the object as an integral complex of interrelated elements. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the very formulation of the topic: the author, based on various sources, seeks to characterize the main directions and priorities of Russian-Cameroonian viewing. Considering the bibliographic list of the article, its scale and versatility should be noted as a positive point: in total, the list of references includes 20 different sources and studies. Of the sources attracted by the author, we will primarily point to Internet sources that provide material for subsequent generalizations. Among the studies used by the author, we note the works of a number of foreign authors who reveal various aspects of Cameroon's foreign policy activities. Note that the bibliography of the article is important both from a scientific and educational point of view: after reading the text of the article, readers can turn to other materials on its topic. In general, in our opinion, the integrated use of various sources and research contributed to the solution of the tasks facing the author. The style of writing the article can be attributed to a scientific one, at the same time understandable not only to specialists, but also to a wide readership, to anyone interested in both international relations in general and the interaction of Russia and the countries of the "South" in particular. The appeal to the opponents is presented at the level of the collected information received by the author during the work on the topic of the article. The structure of the work is characterized by a certain logic and consistency, it can be distinguished by an introduction, the main part, and conclusion. At the beginning, the author defines the relevance of the topic, shows that "Cameroon's policy towards Russia can be considered as a continuation of historical legitimacy based on the participation of the USSR in the decolonization of various African countries and the promotion of principles such as peace, democracy and neutrality." The author reveals the various facets of cooperation between the two actors, including during the Soviet period. It is noteworthy that, as noted in the reviewed article, one of the aspects of Russia's "soft power" is cooperation in the field of education: "for the 2023/2024 academic year, Cameroon has been allocated 100 scholarships within the budget of the Russian Federation." Speaking about the problems of relations between the two countries, the author draws attention to the lack of direct flights, as well as limited knowledge of the Russian language and culture in Cameroon. The main conclusion of the article is that the upcoming second Russia–Africa summit in the summer of 2023 should become a catalyst for relations between Moscow and Yaounde. The article submitted for review is devoted to an urgent topic, written in English, provided with a table, will arouse readers' interest, and its materials can be used both in training courses and as part of the formation of strategies for Russian-Cameroonian relations. There are some comments on the article: for example, it would be possible to show the views of the expert community on cooperation between the two countries, which would arouse readers' interest. However, in general, in our opinion, the article can be recommended for publication "Genesis: a historical study".