Cameroon and Chad face customs seizures and border trade tensions

Customs authorities in Cameroon and tensions at the Chad-Cameroon border are highlighting ongoing challenges with illicit trade and transit costs. In Ngaoundéré, the HALCOMI IV special mission, working with security forces, intercepted a significant shipment of undeclared goods on September 17, 2026. The seizure included 30 motorcycles, eight bundles of pharmaceuticals, ten packages of mobile phones, various phone accessories, and two tricycles, as well as non-biodegradable plastic packaging.

Simultaneously, trade between Cameroon and Chad has faced disruptions due to disputes over customs fees. Transport drivers recently immobilized vehicles for over two weeks, causing fruit shortages in N’Djamena, including avocados sourced from Bafoussam, Cameroon. Drivers reported being subjected to excessive and unofficial payments at various checkpoints between the border and N’Djamena. While services have recently resumed, the conflict between transporters, merchants, and customs agents regarding unregulated fees remains a point of contention.