Njoya Zakariaou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Transport of Cameroon, met with Arthur Bertrand Piri, Minister of State for Equipment and Public Works of the Central African Republic, on 19 October 2026 to address fuel supply disruptions. This high-level meeting took place on 19 October 2026, specifically to facilitate a resolution between the two neighbouring states regarding the transit of critical supplies. The discussions followed the 'volant mort' movement, an industrial action where truck drivers transporting petroleum products to the Central African Republic immobilized their vehicles in Garoua-Boulaï. The 'volant mort' movement involved truck drivers transporting petroleum products to the Central African Republic who immobilized their vehicles in Garoua-Boulaï, effectively halting the movement of fuel tankers along the primary transit route. This protest led to significant delays in the delivery of fuel, impacting supply chains between the two nations. Both ministers convened to resolve the impasse and restore the flow of goods along the transit corridor. The meeting sought to address the grievances of the drivers and stabilize the transport of essential energy resources to the Central African Republic.
Impact of Driver Strike
Fuel shortages in Bangui intensified during the period of industrial action, resulting in significant economic slowdowns for the capital of the République centrafricaine. The strike caused fuel shortages and economic slowdowns in Bangui. Residents faced limited access to petroleum products as the immobilization of vehicles prevented essential energy resources from reaching local markets. Commercial activity across the city experienced a contraction while supply chains remained stalled at the border. The scarcity of fuel hampered the operational capacity of local businesses and public services in Bangui, as the lack of consistent petroleum supply hindered daily logistics and transport operations throughout the capital.
The Ministry of Transport of Cameroun confirmed on 20 October 2026 that the circulation of tanker trucks between Garoua-Boulaï and Bangui has resumed. The Ministry of Transport of Cameroon reported that the circulation of tanker trucks between Garoua-Boulaï and Bangui has resumed. Transport officials authorized the movement of vehicles following the agreement reached between Njoya Zakariaou and Arthur Bertrand Piri. Traffic along this transit corridor is currently returning to operational levels, allowing for the replenishment of fuel stocks in the destination city.
With the resumption of transit activities, tankers carrying petroleum products have begun the journey from the border town of Garoua-Boulaï toward the capital of the Central African Republic. This movement is expected to alleviate the immediate pressure on fuel availability in Bangui. Authorities in both nations continue to monitor the transit route to prevent further disruptions to the distribution of petroleum products. The ongoing supervision of the corridor by officials from the Ministry of Transport of Cameroon and their counterparts in the Central African Republic aims to ensure that the supply chain remains stable and that the transport of essential energy resources continues without further impediment. The coordination between Njoya Zakariaou and Arthur Bertrand Piri remains a key component in the ongoing effort to maintain the security and efficiency of this vital logistics link.
