The alleged killing of a Cameroonian truck driver by Wagner mercenaries has ignited tensions between Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). In response, truck drivers have blocked the transnational highway that links the two countries, demanding justice and enhanced security measures.
The Incident: Alleged Murder in Boali
On November 18, truck driver Mohamadou Awalou was reportedly killed in the Boali region during an attack attributed to armed groups allegedly linked to the Wagner mercenary group. The incident occurred along the Garoua Boulai–Bangui corridor, a critical route for trade between Cameroon and CAR.
Conflicting accounts have since emerged. Wagner sources deny responsibility, claiming that Awalou was a victim of crossfire during a confrontation between the mercenaries and an armed gang. However, a communique from the CAR military stated that Awalou died after being transported to a hospital in Bangui by Wagner operatives.
Protests and Highway Blockage
Outraged by the incident, truck drivers staged a protest on November 23, blocking the highway in Garoua Boulai and Bangui. Protesters have vowed to continue the blockade until adequate security measures are implemented.
The president of the National Syndicate of Road Transporters of Cameroon, Oumarou Sahabo, has called for the suspension of activities in the border zones. Transport union leader Alhadji Djika emphasized the need for the Cameroon government to deploy military escorts for convoys traveling to Bangui, expressing distrust in the security provided by the CAR army or Wagner operatives.
Official Responses
While Cameroonian authorities have yet to issue a statement, the CAR Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation extended condolences to Awalou’s family on November 22 and announced an investigation into the circumstances of his death. The CAR Ministry of National Defense also condemned the violence, reaffirming its commitment to securing the Douala–Bangui corridor.
The Way Forward
The incident highlights the fragile security situation along the Cameroon-CAR border. The call for military escorts and immediate governmental intervention underscores the urgent need to ensure the safety of transporters and their cargo. As both nations work to stabilize the situation, the resolution of this crisis will be pivotal for maintaining regional trade and cooperation.
