A Cameroon government decision to close all border crossings with the Central Africa Republic following a wave of deadly attacks has forced cross-border trade to grind to a halt, Cameroon Intelligence Report has gathered from a well-placed source in the nation’s capital, Yaoundé.

Cameroon closed the main borders after a security meeting chaired by the 84 year President Biya last Monday. Hundreds of trucks carrying perishable goods lined up on both sides of the border with drivers uncertain of when they would be allowed through.

The security system has also been strengthened at the border. The situation was caused by violent clashes between the Seleka and anti Balaka rebel groups. We understand that Jean Benoît Boumtap, the Sub-prefect of Ngaoundaye the Central African administrative district has escaped the violence and he is currently in Cameroon.

It should be recalled that in 2013, the border with the Central Africa Republic was closed due to the violence when rebels of the Seleka murdered Dallé Ngando, the Cameroonian police officer who was head of the Toktoyo border post. In 2008, the same border was shut down by a decision from the Prefect of the Cameroonian division of Boumba et Ngoko.

By Sama Ernest
Cameroon Intelligence Report