a great leap forward for millions of people in Central Africa – Africa.com
Like the thousands of people who live along the Logon River, Pierre Fissou, pedagogical adviser to the delegation of the basic education department of Meodanay in the town of Yagoa (Cameroon), knows all about the natural boundary that begins with it. Danger of crossing from one side to the other.
“I often go to the other side, Bongo, to walk and meet people. We are brothers with the Chadians. There is a natural boundary between us. But it also creates a lot of risks and sometimes tragedy.”
For years, Pierre had used a canoe with a motor or paddle to cross the river, often at risk of capsizing. Ferries are sometimes available but frequently out of service. He remembers when people had no choice but to swim, risking drowning in the rough waters or being attacked by hippos.
“There were too many dangers. Bad things happened and people lost their lives, including some people close to me,” he recalled sadly.
Pierre recently used the new bridge for his first border crossing during an authorized visit to Chad. He described the experience as “unbelievable”.
“A crossing that used to take 45 minutes or an hour now takes just a few minutes. It’s like we’re living on the same land.”
For Pierre and thousands of residents on both sides of the river, the new bridge is more than just infrastructure – it’s a dream come true and a reconnection between two people who have always considered themselves a family.
Ambitious regional integration project
The Logone Bridge was built with financial support from the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, the European Union, the Government of Cameroon, and the joint efforts of the governments of Cameroon and Chad. It is a strategic investment with a total investment of more than 578 million euros. The bridge took five years to build, eliminating the dangers and limitations of old-style transportation and ushering in a new era of cross-border trade.
The bridge connects the northernmost town of Yagoua in Cameroon with the town of Bongor in southern Chad, making a significant contribution to regional integration, one of the priority High-5 goals of the 10-year strategy 2024-2033 (https://apo-opa.co/41b1JZt) African Development Bank
On November 27 this year, Serge N’Guessan, Managing Director of the World Bank’s Central Africa Region, visited the bridge and praised the project as “a model of regional cooperation and an engine for economic transformation in Central Africa.”
The bridge enables the movement of people and transportation of goods, reducing logistics costs and increasing business opportunities. Agricultural producers and traders on both sides of the river are already seeing economic benefits: “Now we will be able to enter new markets without risking lives or goods,” says trader Fatimé Mahamat, who intends to take full advantage of this ) said. New opportunities provided by the bridge.
The Logone River Bridge has become a pillar of development and unity. For local residents like Pierre, the bridge is first and foremost a symbol of safety and a way to bring people together.
“We are all looking forward to the official opening: the festivities on that day will be worth watching,” he smiles.
This new transport link between two neighboring countries in Central Africa proves that, despite the challenges, an integrated and prosperous Africa is still achievable. What Pierre, Fatimid and their compatriots received was not just a bridge across the river, but a bridge to a better future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
