Cargo transportation resumes between Cameroon and the Central African Republic

Reliable sources have confirmed that Cargo transportation between the Central African Republic (CAR) and Cameroon has resumed since June 16, 2014.

Indeed, following a crisis meeting held the same day by the Land Freight Management Office (BGFT) at the Garoua-Boulaï sub-prefecture in the East Cameroon region bordering the CAR, 400 truck drivers who have been parked since June 5 in the Cameroonian town were reassured by the Central African authorities with regards to the security measures to be taken once en route to Bangui.

They therefore returned to the highway, despite the advice of MISCA officials to be very careful with the securing of cargo and merchandise being brought from Cameroon to supply the Central African capital.

Reliable sources have indeed revealed that Cameroonian commander, General Tumenta, indicated to the representative that truckers going to the CAR should be equipped with GPS and Thuraya phone systems to be able to contact the pan-African MISCA security forces in the event of difficulty.

The decision to suspend cargo transports to the CAR was taken on June 5, 2014 following the murder of Cameroonian trucker, Adamou Alhadjii by persons alleged to be anti-Balaka Central African militants. This crime was committed on Central African soil.

Since the onset of the political crisis in the CEMAC country in March 2013, Cameroonian transporters have repeatedly spoken out against the prevalent lack of security on the Garoua-Boulaï-Bangui roadway one which the 55 billion FCfa in Central African merchandise transiting by way of Cameroon each year lies in peril, according to Cameroonian Customs’ figures.