Cameroonian truck drivers' strike: prices soar in Bangui

Cameroonian truck drivers are on strike to protest against insecurity on the interchange linking Garoua to Boulaï in Bangui, the CAR capital.

The strike action begun when the attacks became unbearable after several weeks. A Cameroonian truck driver was killed on July 18 in an attack when the convoy was escorted by peacekeepers.

The result of the strike are that Cameroonian truck drivers have refused to serve Bangui for nearly two weeks, prices have soared and basic necessities are running out.

The PK5 market in Bangui, even though not out of gas, it will soon be. In his shop where he sells basic necessities, Ibrahim Daouda almost has nothing more to sell.

"There were lack of basic things like flour, salt, oil, among others." Ibrahim Daouda believes that he can hold on for just "two or three days."

"If in two or three days, the situation is not solved, we will be forced to stop selling," he said.

Since the corridor linking Cameroon to Bangui has been blocked, prices of commodities have increased. Mohammed has paid the price. "At firs, the meal cost 27 thousand FCFA (41 euros) and now it is sold at 37 500 FCFA (57 euros). It has become expensive. There are some customers who are not coming because of the rise in prices of products."

Prices have "doubled"

Prices have been increasing logically. With his hardware, Ibrahim used to sell more due to the doubled prices in recent weeks. His turnover keeps falling.

"At first, we sold almost 30,000 FCFA (45.6 euros) and FCFA 40 000 (60.80 euros). But now, with what happened, people no longer come to the market. We now sell only 15,000 FCFA (22.8 euros), 20,000 FCFA (30.40 euros), 12 500 FCFA (19 euros) and that's all we can sell."

Traders are unanimous and are appealing to the Minusca and government. “We must secure this road,” they cried out.