(Ecofin Agency) - Cameroon’s government is preparing to take tougher action against vandalism and public misconduct affecting the country’s railway network. During a special session of the Interministerial Committee on Railway Infrastructure (Comifer) held yesterday in Yaoundé, Minister of Transport Jean Ernest Masséna Ngalle Bibehe said a crackdown was being considered to improve safety and protect rail operations.

Over the past few months, Camrail, the private operator of the national rail network and a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), has reported 77 cases of incivility and vandalism along its tracks. These incidents have included train–vehicle collisions at level crossings, rock throwing at passenger trains, theft, blocked tracks, sabotage, and pedestrian accidents. Some of these have caused serious damage to equipment and posed risks to passengers and workers.

Minister Ngalle Bibehe called the situation “deeply concerning” and stressed the need for both preventive and punitive action. He urged law enforcement agencies and Camrail officials to act quickly and decisively to limit vandalism and protect the safety of rail operations.

“It is our collective duty to take action,” said the minister. “We must promote a culture of safety and respect for railway rules. That includes awareness campaigns but also strict enforcement when necessary.”

The rising number of incidents has had broader consequences. Delays in freight delivery have disrupted supply chains in neighboring countries. Chad, for instance, recently experienced a cement shortage, which officials say was directly tied to rail traffic disruptions caused by vandalism in Cameroon.

In response, Camrail launched a two-month awareness campaign on April 4, 2025. The effort targets people living near the railways and includes messages in both French and English, as well as in local languages spoken in affected communities.