The development follows days of uncertainty and mounting concerns from CAR officials.
On Tuesday, January 21, Albert Yaloke Mokpème, spokesperson for CAR’s presidency, voiced frustration on Ndeke Luka radio over the immobilization of the diesel at Douala Port in Cameroon. However, on Wednesday, January 22, Cameroonian port authorities confirmed that unloading operations had commenced.
Nchechuma Banla, Director of Human Resources at the Douala Autonomous Port, stated: “Teams are fully mobilized, and once unloading is complete, transportation will be carried out by the carrier designated by the Central African government, Neptune Oil.” The first convoys are expected to hit the road by the end of the week, signaling a significant milestone in CAR’s energy supply efforts.
Strategic Fuel Shipment
Neptune Oil, a Cameroonian firm specializing in petroleum product imports, has been entrusted with the transportation and distribution of the diesel. This shipment represents a crucial contribution to CAR’s energy stability, aligning with the deepening partnership between Russia and CAR.
The fuel donation is emblematic of Russia’s growing influence in Africa and its efforts to strengthen alliances amid ongoing Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine. Russia’s ties to CAR have notably intensified, with Moscow playing a key role in providing security for CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera and deploying military support through the Wagner Group.
A Tense Geopolitical Backdrop
The resolution of the diesel impasse comes against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions. While Russia seeks to cement its partnerships in Africa, Cameroon’s government has had to navigate delicate diplomatic waters, balancing its long-standing relationships with Western powers, particularly France and the United States, with its neutral stance on Russian initiatives.
Sources suggest the delay in clearing the shipment was partly due to concerns in Yaoundé about potential backlash from Western allies, who remain wary of Russia’s expanding footprint in Central Africa. However, Cameroonian authorities have moved swiftly to address the bottleneck, likely aware of the growing impatience in Moscow.
A Win for CAR and Russia
This logistical breakthrough marks a win for CAR, which has relied on Russian support for security and infrastructure development. For Russia, it reinforces its image as a dependable partner in Africa, particularly in resource-strapped nations.
A Broader Context
The episode highlights the strategic importance of Central Africa as a battleground for influence among global powers. It also underscores the challenges faced by nations like Cameroon, which find themselves in the crosshairs of competing geopolitical interests.
As the diesel convoys roll toward Bangui, the resolution of this issue may offer a template for how African countries can manage complex partnerships while safeguarding their sovereignty in an increasingly polarized global landscape.