A truckers’ strike in Cameroon has severely disrupted transport along National Highway 1, a vital corridor linking southern Cameroon to the north and neighboring Chad and the Central African Republic. For five days, hundreds of trucks were stranded near Meiganga in the Adamaoua region after drivers launched a protest over what they say is persistent harassment and extortion at security checkpoints. The immediate trigger was an incident in which a gendarme allegedly slapped a truck driver on the outskirts of Meiganga.
The confrontation revived frustrations dating back to a previous strike following the post-election violence in October 2025. At the time, the government promised to remove unlawful checkpoints and reduce pressure on drivers promises transport unions say were never honored. This week’s strike created a blockade stretching nearly 10 kilometers, with trucks carrying goods to northern Cameroon and landlocked countries stuck in place. Attempts by local officials to negotiate ended without progress. Authorities eventually ordered a military operation overnight between December 6 and 7 to forcefully clear the road. Drivers reported minor damage as security forces dispersed the blockade and reopened traffic. Transport has slowly resumed, but tensions remain high, and some trucks are still parked along the route as drivers weigh their next steps.
