Cameroon government and transport unions reach agreement to avert strike

The Cameroonian government and transport union representatives have reached a last-minute agreement to avert a national strike by freight transporters. Following thirteen hours of high-tension negotiations involving the ministries of Transport, Commerce, Labor and Social Security, thirteen resolutions were adopted to address long-standing grievances.

Transporters operating from the Port of Douala had been protesting rising fuel costs, increased maintenance expenses, deteriorating road conditions, and growing insecurity. They also cited frequent harassment and excessive controls on transport corridors that reduced profit margins and delayed deliveries.

To resolve the crisis, the government has committed to creating a joint task force to combat extortion on highways, initiating discussions on adjusting transport tariffs, and accelerating road rehabilitation works on critical sections of National Road No. 1. Additionally, a three-month freeze on certain port parking penalties has been implemented. In response, transport unions have agreed to resume work immediately, though they noted that social peace depends on the effective implementation of these commitments.