Transport terrestre et coopération transfrontalière en Afrique centrale : cas du corridor routier Cameroun- Gabon- guinée équatoriale, 1960-2021

Abstract

Transport occupies an important place in cross-border cooperation and the development of states. It is the prerequisite for exchanges and the development of commerce. Our study entitled, “land transport and cross-border cooperation in central Africa: case of the Cameroon-Gabon-Equatorial Guinea road corridor, 1960-2021”, questions the contribution of road transport in general and this transit in particular, in the dynamic of cross-border cooperation in CEMAC zone. To carry out this study, documentary research was carried out in libraries and field visits were carried out. The explanation and analysis of the collected data is based on the theory of complex interdependence and intergovernmentalism. This theoretical and methodological package made it possible to reach the following conclusions: The Yaoundé-Libreville-Bata Road axis has not only allowed the diversification, the densification on intra-community trade and actors, but also the considerable multiplication of cross-border trade between Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. This road corridor is a real factor of integration in the CEMAC zone. However, road transport users in Central Africa in general, and those of this transit in particular, still face some difficulties which can be overcome by the application of community standards, the multiplication of investments in the field of land transport and adoption of new financing strategies taking into account the reality on the ground. Likewise, it is appropriate for states and CERs to assure the application of community standards and regulations, particularly in terms of the free movement of goods and peoples so that transport effectively plays its role. With current international economic changes and the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the States of Central Africa in collaboration with their development partners should increase effort to provide the sub-region with adequate infrastructure, guarantee successful cross-border cooperation and effective integration.