Road Safety in Cameroon: The Fatal Accident That Took Mfou Deputy Mayor’s Life

Witnesses reported that the vehicle carrying the victims collided forcefully with a truck that was parked on the highway. "They collided violently with a truck from a brewery that was parked on the highway. This is another example of negligence—trucks should not be stationed on the highway," said a close relative of the victims.

Belinga, 47, who had been serving as the first deputy mayor of Mfou since May 2022, was a well-established professional with Aéroports du Cameroun (ADC). His sudden death has left the local community in shock.

Also among the deceased was Jean Romuald Mbarga Belinga, Joseph's younger brother. Jean Romuald, a Federal Assistant Referee 2 (Elite One) and school administrator at Lycée d’Olanguina, was deeply respected within his community. His passing has compounded the grief of the family and the community at large.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the morgue at Mfou District Hospital, where family members are expected to receive them for the final rites.

Road Safety Concerns Highlighted

The Nsimalen-Yaoundé highway, a vital route connecting Yaoundé to other parts of Cameroon, has long faced concerns over road safety. This accident emphasizes the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, especially regarding proper vehicle parking on high-speed highways. The incident has rekindled discussions about the lack of effective highway management, which has led to multiple accidents in the past.

Despite frequent warnings about parking vehicles on busy highways, such incidents continue to occur, resulting in preventable fatalities. Calls for better road safety measures and more stringent enforcement of traffic laws have become urgent.

Road Conditions in Cameroon: A National Crisis

Cameroon's road infrastructure, particularly in rural and suburban areas, remains a significant challenge. Many roads are in poor condition, riddled with potholes, cracks, and insufficient signage. The lack of proper road markings and poorly maintained vehicles contribute to the high risk of accidents, particularly on highways like the one where this tragic crash occurred.

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Cameroon among the countries with the highest road traffic accident rates in Africa. In 2020 alone, Cameroon's National Road Safety Agency (ANSR) reported over 1,000 fatalities caused by road accidents, with thousands more injured. The figure remains concerningly high despite various efforts to improve road safety, pointing to systemic issues that have yet to be addressed effectively.

Part of the problem lies in the inconsistent enforcement of road safety laws. Many drivers ignore basic traffic rules, speeding and driving recklessly on roads that are ill-equipped to handle such behavior. Furthermore, the rise in drink-driving incidents, particularly during festive seasons or weekend nights, compounds the problem. Alcohol-related accidents are a recurring theme in reports by road safety agencies, yet penalties for drink-driving remain insufficient, with enforcement often lax.

Impact on the Mfou Community

The loss of Joseph Marien Zambo Belinga, a rising leader in local governance, is a significant blow to the Mfou community. As the first deputy mayor, he was beginning to make strides in improving local infrastructure and governance. His sudden death leaves a gap not only in his family but in the administration of Mfou, where he was seen as a promising leader dedicated to his community.

This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of people living in more suburban and rural areas, where such accidents can have far-reaching consequences. In addition to the personal loss, the incident has brought attention to the broader issue of road safety and the urgent need for improvements in Cameroon’s infrastructure.

The Need for Immediate Reform

Cameroon’s transportation network is plagued by a lack of proper urban planning, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and insufficient traffic management. The conditions of the roads in and around the capital, Yaoundé, as well as other regions, remain a deadly risk to travelers. Without a comprehensive national policy focusing on road safety, from infrastructure upgrades to enforcing existing traffic laws, this trend will continue, resulting in further preventable deaths.

There are also systemic challenges related to corruption within law enforcement agencies. Bribery and lack of accountability among police officers lead to a culture of negligence, where traffic laws are not strictly adhered to. This complicates efforts to reduce road fatalities.

Furthermore, authorities must prioritize campaigns against drink-driving, speeding, and other dangerous driving behaviors. Tougher penalties, better monitoring systems, and public awareness campaigns are needed to reduce the alarming rates of alcohol-related accidents.

The recent incident involving Joseph Marien Zambo Belinga serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for reform in Cameroon’s road safety policies. The country can no longer afford to ignore these issues. Beyond just a local tragedy, it represents a larger issue that affects millions of lives every day. Only by addressing these underlying problems can Cameroon begin to tackle its road safety crisis and protect its citizens from future accidents.

As the investigation into this latest accident continues, the country mourns the loss of a beloved community leader, a referee, and a promising public servant. The tragedy has sparked necessary conversations about the condition of Cameroonian roads and the dangerous driving culture that continues to threaten lives. The community now looks to local and national authorities to take responsibility and make tangible changes to improve the situation for future generations.