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The introduction of GPS is expected to facilitate the transit and fight against corruption between Cameroon, on the one hand, CAR and Chad, on the other. So it naturally raises many objections.

By Achille Mbog Pibasso, Douala

Cameroon has begun discussions to improve transit with its two neighbours with no coastline, CAR and Chad, 80% of their goods pass through the port of Douala. In the same vein, it was recently opened in Douala, a charter Office Road for CAR (BARC) and a Chad Board of chartering freight (BAFT).

These discussions are consecutive to the introduction four months ago, by Cameroon of a new system of control and cargo tracking, Global Positioning System (GPS). This new mechanism for the customs sparked mixed reactions, both within the customs administration, and among the partners, some fearing that the new system will not stop the serious corruption rampant in the area. It has already been the source of a truckers' strike in October and November, which paralyzed traffic for several days, causing shortages of certain products in CAR and Chad.

This new mechanism useful for customs sparked mixed reactions, both within the customs administration, and among partners, some fearing that the new system will not stop the serious corruption rampant in the area.

After these social movements, the General Director of the Customs of Cameroon, Ms. Minette Libom Li Likeng said it is likely that the current thinking leads to a harmonization of work between Cameroon, on one side, CAR and Chad, on the other. "The countries of the hinterland can not receive goods unless the Cameroonian customs gives them facilitation measures and, as we are engaged in an extensive program of modernization and facilitation, if we are not going to harmonize the way we work, there is a risk to compete unfairly with another, and that is what is happening currently in Chad and CAR Customs."

Some industry players say that they've encountered enormous difficulties, mainly due to the fact that there is not enough GPS to meet the demand of all operators.

Improving rendering

Following the introduction of GPS, an assessment made by the Customs Administration shows that out of 140 trucks which left the port of Douala for their respective destinations, only 100 have reached the point of arrival...

The customs also explains that when a truck has to carry a cargo in transit, when the truck is loaded in the port of Douala, the GPS is also applied. Therefore, "the GPS is following the truck along the corridors. The truck must pass through several checkpoints where controls should not exceed more than 20 minutes. When it arrives at the border, the carrier finds the customs and the partner company. The latter then remove the GPS and attest that the trip went well." The deposit can then be lifted. The GPS allows a large gain, both for the customs and the economic operators.