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

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:

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.