The construction of the infrastructure cost €112.79 million, with €66.6 million funded by the African Development Bank Group.
The atmosphere is festive on the morning of Monday, April 28, in Yagoua, located in the Far North region of Cameroon. Under a scorching sun, Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute and his Chadian counterpart, Allamaye Halina, cut the symbolic ribbon and unveil the commemorative plaques for the inauguration of the bridge over the Logone River, which connects the two Central African countries.
The official opening of the infrastructure to traffic brought together senior officials from both neighboring countries, as well as their partners, including the African Development Bank Group, represented by Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, its Senior Vice President, and Solomane Koné, its Acting Director General for Central Africa, as well as European Union officials residing in Chad and Cameroon.
Traditional and customary chiefs from the Far North and Logone regions, representatives from the private sector and civil society, and local officials from Bongor in Chad and Yagoua also attended. Everyone proudly wore their festive attire, official uniforms, or traditional costumes.
The festivities were filled with vibrant cultural performances, including traditional songs and dances from troupes coming from both countries.
“This bridge is a promise of prosperity for the people of Yagoua and Bongor, a promise of safety for those who used to cross the river under precarious conditions, a promise of development for our subregion,” proudly declares the Cameroonian head of government.
“As a son of Chad, I am particularly moved to see this project come to life. Allow me a personal anecdote. During a conversation with a resident of Yagoua, he shared the risks he took when crossing the river by canoe to visit his family in Bongor. Today, thanks to this bridge, such dangerous crossings will be a thing of the past,” celebrates his Chadian counterpart, Allamaye Halina. “This bridge is a symbol. It reflects our historical and cultural ties, the brotherhood that has united Chad and Cameroon for centuries.” On behalf of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, Mr. Halina proposed naming the infrastructure the “Chad-Cameroon Friendship Bridge.”
A Major Project with Strong Regional Impact
The Logone Bridge was built as part of the Regional Integrating Road Network Project in the Lake Chad Basin. The construction of the infrastructure cost €112.79 million, with €66.6 million funded by the African Development Bank Group. The European Union contributed €40 million, and Cameroon contributed €6.27 million.
By enhancing connectivity between the two countries, this bridge helps reduce areas of fragility and stimulates the regional economy. The infrastructure is accompanied by a 14.18-kilometer connecting road.
The inauguration of the bridge “marks a key milestone for the integration of the two countries and the economic and social development of the region,” praises Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade. This road “will contribute to improving the efficiency of trade exchanges and create new opportunities for businesses and populations on both sides of the border. By strengthening connectivity between these two countries, this bridge helps reduce pockets of fragility and energize the regional economy,” she assures.
About 500 direct jobs were created during the bridge’s construction phase, and many indirect job opportunities are expected during its operation, particularly with the revitalization of economic activities in the region. It will thus bring major socio-economic benefits: better access to basic services, reduced agricultural and transport costs, and easier trade exchanges. By opening up economically fragile areas, this infrastructure will contribute to strengthening social cohesion, creating jobs, and reducing poverty, while enhancing regional integration in Central Africa.
Relief for the Local Population
The people of Yagoua and Bongor, who were present in large numbers to witness this historic moment, now breathe an air filled with hope and optimism.
“I almost travel the Yagoua-Bongor route every day. This bridge is a great joy for us; it really makes our lives easier. We are very grateful. As they say, where the road goes, development follows,” rejoices Marie Béatrice Tikamda Moussa, a Chadian businesswoman.
Even though, at this time of the year, the Logone River appears reduced, its banks distanced by the drought and the scorching sun of the Far North of Cameroon, it should not be underestimated: it becomes formidable and dangerous during the rainy season when it returns to its full size and is populated by hippos. Crossing by ferry or canoe can then become perilous.
“Before, we transported our goods in canoes that often capsized, especially during the rainy season. We lost a lot of goods and sometimes even lives,” recalls Rigobert Wamalamou, a welder and resident of Yagoua. “Today, thanks to the bridge, we are going to develop many activities that will allow us to earn more money, which will improve the living conditions of the people of Yagoua and Bongor. The bridge will facilitate trade: Chadians will be able to transport their goods to Cameroon, and Cameroonians will be able to do the same to Chad,” he emphasizes with a smile.
A few steps away from the Logone Bridge, canoes and ferries are now abandoned. They will no longer be used to travel between Yagoua and Bongor. From now on, the crossing will be done on foot, by motorcycle, bicycle, or car. Safely.
