Ouagadougou: Kilometers of trucks lined up at Burkina Faso's borders and main entry points have created a striking image, as these endless queues paralyze areas surrounding customs, particularly at Ouagadougou Inter.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the chaos is the direct result of the strict enforcement of WAEMU Regulation 14, now being imposed without compromise by Burkinabe authorities.
The regulation, established by the West African Economic and Monetary Union, sets precise standards for freight trucks, including strict limits on their dimensions and weight. Vehicles exceeding these thresholds are immobilized until they comply. This measure aims to preserve roads, protect users, and limit collective costs. For years, these rules were applied loosely, allowing overloaded trucks to circulate freely, damaging roads and causing accidents.
The Ministry of Security has decided to enforce these rules firmly. Oversized trucks are now blocked, causing unrest among carriers who have previously bypassed the regulations. As a result, a load previously carried by a single truck must now be distributed across several vehicles, increasing the number of trucks on the road and leading to longer queues.
At the Ouagadougou Inter customs platform, the infrastructure is overwhelmed. Managed by the Chamber of Commerce, not customs, it requires significant improvements, as it struggles with outdated equipment. The platform's inefficiency acts as a bottleneck in the process. Additionally, the attitude of freight forwarders exacerbates the situation. Customs officers start their shifts at 7 a.m., but some freight forwarders arrive late, disrupting operations and causing delays.
To address the chaos, customs officials are working tirelessly, extending hours and reinforcing teams. However, customs alone cannot resolve the entire issue. Regulation 14 reveals the fragility of Burkinabe roads and highlights the hidden costs and unfair competition associated with overloaded trucks. Solutions are necessary to emerge from this crisis.
In the short term, organized truck arrivals, prioritization of vital goods, and online declarations are needed. Freight forwarders must adhere to customs officers' schedules to streamline operations. In the medium term, the Ouagadougou Inter platform requires renovation, with more space and modernized equipment. Improved coordination among the Ministry of Security, customs, transport, the Chamber of Commerce, freight forwarders, and transport unions is essential.
These truck queues, though frustrating, signal a return to order. Regulation 14 is a necessity to protect roads, reduce accidents, and establish fair competition. Customs is leading the way with its efforts, but it is up to other stakeholders to share responsibility. With collective effort, a safer, fairer, and more sustainable transport system can emerge.