Truck drivers have blocked National Road No. 1, which links the Grand North and Yaounde, since Thursday, after a gendarme officer reportedly slapped one of them for not possessing an ID.
At the exit of the city of Meiganga, a massive protest movement by truck drivers completely halted traffic, leaving goods, passengers, students, and transporters stranded for several hours.
In the middle of this long line of immobilized vehicles is the delegation from the University of Maroua (UMa), which has been en route since the previous day to Yaoundé to participate in the 11th edition of the UNIFAC University Games, scheduled for December 5–9, 2025.
After more than 24 hours of travel, the buses carrying the students were forced to stop abruptly at the entrance to Meiganga.
Altercation Between Gendarme and Truck Driver at the Origin
According to several witnesses, tensions rose after a truck driver was allegedly slapped by a road traffic gendarme during a check for a “lack of identification.”
The act was deemed humiliating and unacceptable by the transporters, who immediately reacted by barricading the road to denounce what they call “repeated abuses.”
The result: about a hundred vehicles—trucks, buses, and private cars—are now immobilized for several kilometers.
Perishable Goods Already Threatened With Rotting
This blockage has not only slowed traffic; it also threatens to cause significant economic losses.
Several trucks are carrying perishable goods: fresh food, agricultural products, and merchandise destined for the markets of Yaoundé and other regions.
If the situation persists, some cargoes risk deterioration, leading to considerable financial losses for traders and transporters.
Some drivers even mention fears of an imminent price increase, fueled by the supply shortages this blockage could create.
Exhausted but calm passengers: The UMa delegation remains serene
Onboard the University of Maroua buses, the students remain calm and disciplined. No incidents have been reported within the delegation.
The officials accompanying the group assure that the participants’ morale is being maintained, despite the uncertainty about when traffic will resume.
Authorities On The Ground Since 2:00 AM
Alerted in the early hours of the night, the Prefect of Mbéré, accompanied by officials from law enforcement agencies, has been working since 2:00 AM on Friday to defuse the tension and restore traffic.
Negotiations are ongoing with representatives of the truck drivers.
The situation remained calm at the time of this report as the blockade persisted.
