In a decisive move to combat maritime malpractice, Cameroon has undertaken the deregistration and sanctioning of various vessels associated with the “shadow fleet” that aids Russia in evading international sanctions, particularly concerning the oil and grain sectors. This initiative forms part of a wider set of maritime governance reforms spurred by pressures from the European Union (EU).
Nonetheless, experts caution that reforms in ship registration alone may not fully eradicate the networks exploiting the Cameroonian registry for illicit operations, as pointed out by Raoul Sumo Tayo, a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. He emphasizes that while reforms are necessary, their effectiveness may be limited.
Historically, Cameroon has been labeled a “flag of convenience,” drawing in high-risk maritime operators, including those implicated in the smuggling of Iranian and Venezuelan oil. Tayo notes that since December 2025, approximately 100 vessels have emerged as part of the Russian shadow fleet, positioning Cameroon among the top three nations linked to this clandestine network, alongside Russia and Sierra Leone.
“In addition to evading international sanctions aimed at Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, several vessels registered under the Cameroonian flag are reportedly involved in trafficking and other illegal enterprises,” Tayo remarked.
