The National Road No. 3 (RN3) connects Yaoundé, Cameroon’s political capital, to Douala, its economic hub. This critical route bears heavy traffic, including freight, passengers, and private vehicles, making it one of the country’s busiest—and most accident-prone—highways.
For years, dangerous parking—particularly by heavy goods vehicles and public transport—has been a major concern. These obstructions reduce visibility, disrupt traffic flow, and heighten collision risks, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
Between June and August 2026, 35 accidents on the RN3 were attributed to improper or illegal parking. The Yaoundé-Douala stretch accounted for 27 of the vehicles involved, ahead of Yaoundé-Bafoussam (19) and Yaoundé-Bertoua (15). In response, the Ministry of Transport (MINT) launched a three-month awareness and enforcement campaign from June 25 to September 30, 2026, targeting travel agencies and high-risk zones. MINT teams deployed across Yaoundé, including Olembe and Mimboman, to educate road users. Dangerous parking was highlighted as a key accident cause, alongside speeding, drunk driving, and poorly maintained vehicles.
The RN3 is more than just a road—it’s a vital economic lifeline for Cameroon. It facilitates trade between the country’s two largest cities and connects to neighboring nations like Chad, the Central African Republic, and Gabon. Repeated accidents on this corridor carry a direct economic cost, beyond the tragic human toll. Every hour lost to congestion or detours undermines local businesses’ competitiveness and household purchasing power.
Dangerous parking is a symptom of a broader issue: the lack of proper infrastructure. Safe parking areas are rare—or nonexistent—along the RN3. Drivers, especially of heavy trucks, are forced to park on road shoulders or poorly lit verges, reflecting an infrastructure challenge that extends beyond road safety and questions public investment priorities.
While the MINT’s campaign is necessary, it won’t be enough on its own. Structural measures are needed, including the creation of secure parking zones, improved public lighting, and stricter penalties for offenders. Without these steps, drivers will continue to take risks out of necessity or negligence.
For transporters and businesses reliant on the RN3, this crackdown could mean fewer delays and financial losses from accidents. A safer road also boosts Cameroon’s appeal to foreign investors, who often hesitate to operate in countries with perceived logistical shortcomings.
In the long term, this initiative could serve as a model for other highways in Cameroon and the Central African region. CEMAC countries (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Chad, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea) face similar road safety challenges. A coordinated approach, inspired by Cameroon’s experience, could emerge under regional integration projects led by CEEAC or OHADA.
The crackdown on dangerous parking along the RN3 is a test for Cameroon. It underscores both the urgency to act and the complexity of solutions required. If successful, this campaign could mark a turning point in the country’s road safety management. However, it must be part of a broader strategy encompassing infrastructure, education, and enforcement. The stakes are high: securing the backbone of Cameroon’s economy.
