Strike by Cameroonian Transporters Shuts Down Border Regions Over Russian Mercenary Violence

The circumstances surrounding Awalou's death have sparked outrage. Witnesses from the convoy in which Awalou was traveling reported that the victim’s truck, which had been overheating, made several stops during its delivery. It was during one of these stops that a Russian mercenary allegedly forced Awalou out of the vehicle and executed him. This incident occurred roughly 95 kilometers from Bangui, the capital of CAR, while transporting goods for Wagner Group.

The killing is the latest in a string of violent acts against truckers in the border regions between Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Transporters have reported various abuses, including beatings for tardiness, torture following road accidents, and, in some instances, summary executions on suspicion of theft. The death toll attributed to these attacks has risen to at least six drivers, creating growing tensions in the area.

In response to these escalating incidents, Oumarou Sahabo, president of the National Union of Cameroonian Road Transporters (SNTRC), announced the immediate suspension of transportation activities in the border areas of Gari Gombo, Kenzou, and Garoua Boulaï, located in the eastern region of Cameroon. The union is demanding justice for Awalou and has warned that it will completely block the borders if no concrete action is taken to ensure the safety of transporters.

This strike is a significant disruption, particularly for the Central African Republic, a landlocked country that relies heavily on the road corridor linking Bangui to Douala, Cameroon’s main port city, for its imports and exports. Sahabo’s statement to the Central African authorities and their Russian partners is clear: "If the Russians wish, let them transport their goods themselves with their own drivers and conveyors."

The strike highlights the growing unrest and the dangerous conditions faced by Cameroonian truck drivers in conflict zones. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether this latest action will prompt changes in the security arrangements involving Russian mercenaries and local authorities in the region.