Cameroon Moves to Tackle Rail Transport Safety Challenges

The Cameroonian government is taking decisive steps to address growing concerns over safety and infrastructure within the country’s rail transport sector. This renewed commitment follows a series of incidents threatening both public safety and the reliability of railway operations.

Speaking during a recent stakeholder meeting in Yaoundé, the Minister of Public Transport, Jean Ernest Massena Ngale Bibehe, called on the public to collaborate with authorities to secure rail operations across the country.

“Faced with this worrying situation, it is our collective responsibility to act through awareness-raising, prevention, and even repression measures if necessary, but above all, to instil among passengers a culture of safety and compliance with traffic regulations around the railway,” the minister said.

Insecurity on the Rails

The meeting focused on securing railway convoys and infrastructure, a task that has become increasingly urgent due to the frequency of vandalism, accidents, and disruptions to rail service. Stakeholders in the railway transport sector outlined major issues currently affecting Camrail, the national rail operator. These include collisions between trains and vehicles at level crossings, stone-throwing at passenger trains, theft, sabotage of equipment, unauthorised track obstructions by members of the public, and tragic accidents involving pedestrians.

According to data presented during the meeting, multiple incidents have occurred in recent months, endangering not just equipment but also the lives of passengers and railway personnel.

The minister emphasised the need for immediate, collective action to address these threats. “It will be up to everyone, collectively and individually, according to their area of expertise, to urgently implement measures to reduce to their simplest form the acts of vandalism and malicious acts that undermine safe railway operations, in accordance with the recommendations made following the work,” he added.

Strengthening Measures to Protect Rail Passengers and Infrastructure

Participants in the Yaoundé meeting included top officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Secretary General, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Transport, and key figures from Camrail—namely, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Managing Director, and the Deputy Managing Directors. Representatives from relevant government agencies and the defence and security forces were also in attendance.

The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to take urgent steps toward safer railway operations. Beyond sensitizing the population to abide by laws and avoid damaging rail infrastructure, the government plans to improve security checks during boarding and enhance monitoring of railway activity nationwide. These measures are expected to reduce the overall rate of insecurity and improve public confidence in the rail transport system.

Ongoing Infrastructure Challenges in the Wake of the Eseka Tragedy

Although safety reforms were introduced following the devastating Eseka train derailment that killed hundreds, Cameroon’s rail system still faces significant challenges. These include outdated tracks and ageing train equipment, both of which contribute to recurring technical problems.

In a recent incident, a train departing Yaoundé for Douala became separated mid-journey, highlighting the pressing need for investment in infrastructure modernisation. Passengers have also expressed growing frustration over frequent delays and cancellations, with some trains failing to reach their intended destinations.

Government Pledges Continued Support for Rail Transport Development

Despite these challenges, the government reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising the rail sector as a key driver of national mobility and economic growth. The public transport minister and other stakeholders concluded the meeting by promising to continue supporting and monitoring all necessary actions to ensure the continuity of rail service in Cameroon.

They described rail transport as a strategic pillar for the country, one that requires both public and private stakeholders to work in tandem toward safer and more reliable service.

Mimi Mefo Info