Reporting from Bangui, Rolf Steve Domia-leu

Diplomatic efforts have successfully de-escalated tensions along the shared border after a recent cross-border incident. Viral social media footage captured two Cameroonian gendarmes, armed with assault rifles, patrolling the village of Gasol—a territory recognized as part of the Central African Republic.

Local residents filmed the officers, accusing them of extortion. Promptly alerted, Central African Republic troops stationed in the area intervened, halting the gendarmes’ advance and seizing their weapons.

Following the intervention, the two Cameroonian officers were escorted to the Beloko police station near the border. Authorities deemed their presence a violation of national sovereignty.

High-level meeting resolves dispute

A high-level meeting between officials from both nations took place on Tuesday, concluding with a mutual commitment to uphold each country’s territorial integrity. The seized firearms were returned to Cameroonian gendarmerie forces, and a joint monitoring committee was established to oversee the resolution process.

The incident has reignited long-standing claims by Central African citizens regarding alleged Cameroonian encroachment into disputed border zones—a dispute Yaoundé continues to deny.