After several weeks of blockage, the Douala-Bangui corridor is back to life thanks to fruitful negotiations between Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Joint action by the authorities of the two countries has made it possible to respond to the main demands of the transporters and provide lasting solutions to this cross-border crisis.
Traffic on the Douala-Bangui corridor, a vital axis for the region’s economy, had been paralyzed since mid-November following the tragic assassination of Cameroonian driver Mohammadou Awalou in the Central African Republic. This tragedy, which occurred in a context of persistent insecurity, had prompted Cameroonian transporters to block traffic at the Garoua-Boulai border. Faced with the gravity of the situation, the Cameroonian and Central African governments have intensified discussions to defuse the crisis. The Ministers of Transport of the two countries, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibèhè and Herbert Gontron Djono Ahaba, traveled to Garoua-Boulai on December 3, 2024 for a decisive meeting with key stakeholders.
Concrete responses to demands
During this meeting, nine major demands of the transporters were examined, notably concerning the safety of drivers, excessive controls and the costs related to escorts. Among the significant advances: The repatriation of the body of the deceased, carried out on November 21; The opening of an investigation into his assassination, currently underway in the Central African Republic; The release and repatriation of the apprentice driver; The return of the vehicle involved in the incident. In addition, the Central African minister committed to reducing the cost of escorts on return from 25,000 to 10,000 FCFA and to strengthening the security of convoys on Central African territory.
Towards strengthened cooperation
The discussions also laid the foundations for better future collaboration. Both governments committed to work towards: The elimination of illegal visa fees at the border; The elimination of excessive controls on the Cantonnier-Béloko section; More efficient management of infrastructure such as weighbridges. Participants recommended the organization of periodic meetings to assess the implementation of the commitments made.
A gradual return to normality
At the end of the discussions, the transporters lifted the blockade of the corridor and the illegal barriers were dismantled. The Central African authorities expressed their gratitude for Cameroonian solidarity and the efforts made to resolve the crisis. The transporters, for their part, welcomed the promptness of the responses provided to their concerns. This outcome marks a crucial step in securing trade on this strategic axis and in strengthening relations between the two countries.
