- (Business in Cameroon) – Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana urged retailers to resume operations immediately to ensure regular food supply after post-election unrest.
- The October 27 riots following the disputed presidential election disrupted supply chains and led to store closures in several cities.
- The government has deployed security forces to restore calm and protect businesses and consumers.
Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, has called on large-scale retailers to resume operations immediately to ensure the steady supply of essential goods following violent protests triggered by post-election unrest.
“All measures have been taken to guarantee the safety of people and property,” Mbarga Atangana said in a statement issued on October 29. He urged traders to “resume their activities with confidence” and help prevent shortages or price speculation on basic food products.
On the same day, the minister sent letters to transport operators, instructing them to “take all urgent and necessary steps to make transport vehicles available for goods and other consumer items.”
The appeal followed violent demonstrations that erupted in several Cameroonian cities on October 27, after the Constitutional Council declared incumbent President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12 presidential election. Supporters of an opposition candidate who claimed victory took to the streets, sparking clashes with security forces.
The unrest led to widespread looting and vandalism targeting commercial establishments. Many retailers temporarily shut down operations, fearing further attacks. The Ministry of Trade reported that the disruptions severely affected domestic trade flows and food distribution networks.
Authorities have since reinforced security across major cities to restore confidence among business operators. As of October 29, the situation had gradually stabilized, and most economic activities were resuming under close surveillance by law enforcement agencies.
This article was initially published in French by BRM
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
