On 20 June 2026, the Yaoundé government reiterated its indignation over the illegal use of the Cameroonian flag by two vessels belonging to the Russian ghost fleet, intercepted successively off the French coast and in the English Channel.
The first of these tankers, the Tagor, was seized on 7 June off Brittany by French authorities. The ship, registered under the Cameroonian flag, was carrying oil that Moscow allegedly intended to circumvent the embargo imposed by the international community.
A week later, on 14 June, the second tanker, the Smyrtos, was detained in the English Channel by the British navy, in coordination with France. The operation confirmed the ongoing presence of two Russian ships using the Cameroonian flag to mask their illicit activities.
Cameroon’s Transport Minister, Jean, responded on 15 June by denouncing a “fraudulent” use of the national flag. In an official statement, he reminded that a flag must reflect compliance with international standards, not serve as a shield for clandestine operations.
Moscow relies on these vessels to fund its war in Ukraine, moving embargoed oil through diverted routes. The use of foreign flags, including Cameroon’s, is a common strategy to evade customs checks and economic sanctions.
For Cameroon, the visibility of these interceptions exposes the country to maritime reputation risk. Insurers and port operators may reassess their commitments, leading to higher premiums and a possible reduction in international tenders. The government therefore faces the need to strengthen monitoring of its ships and clarify registration procedures.
Going forward, Cameroonian authorities will need to work closely with their European partners to identify and block any abusive use of the flag. Increased vigilance, coupled with stricter controls, could protect the flag’s sovereignty and ensure that Cameroon’s maritime sector remains a reliable player on the global stage.
