A sensitization campaign led by the Observatory of Abnormal Practices on Central African corridors (OPA-AC) reveals persistent challenges in the CEMAC transport sector. From February 12 to 19, 2026, the OPA-AC team highlighted difficult transport conditions, particularly on the Douala-Bangui corridor, pointing to precarious rest areas, inadequate road infrastructure, and inconsistencies at weighbridges.
Insecurity in rest areas is a major concern. Drivers report being regularly subjected to theft and assault, sometimes by armed individuals, forcing them to stop driving at night. A Chadian driver was even murdered in February, highlighting the vulnerability of transporters. The representative of Chadian drivers appealed to the Cameroonian authorities and OPA-AC to strengthen security and ensure smooth commercial traffic.
Weighbridges are also a source of disputes. Transporters denounce obsolete weighing practices and inconsistent controls, with significant discrepancies from one station to another, leading to arbitrary fines. They point to the condition of the facilities, particularly in Garoua-Boulai, Abong-Mbang, and Bonis, where trucks risk overturning. Weighbridge operators, for their part, accuse truck drivers of bad faith and manipulation of loads.
The mayor of Touboro, Célestin YANDAL, blames overloading of trucks, which prematurely degrades roads. He denounces a system of corruption that favors these illegal practices, where weighing services turn a blind eye in exchange for bribes. He calls for the development of the Touboro truck park to avoid waterlogging during the rainy season.
Despite these difficulties, the OPA-AC campaign opens a space for dialogue between transport stakeholders and public authorities, with the aim of improving the fluidity of trade in the sub-region. The development of safe and hospitable rest areas is a key element in achieving this goal.
