The Cameroonian government has suspended the Russian ride-hailing app Yango for failing to meet transportation regulations, according to a statement from the country's Transport Minister, Ngalle Bibehe Jean Ernest Massena.
Yango, owned by Russian tech company Yandex, has been operating in the main cities of Yaounde and Douala since 2021.
In September, the government issued a warning to Yango to comply with various requirements such as obtaining a license from the telecoms regulator, registering with the tax department, opening a local bank account, and opening an office in Cameroon. The company did not respond to the demands, leading to its suspension.
The head of the national taxi drivers' union, Ernest Zena, expressed concerns over unfair competition and threatened to strike if Yango was allowed to continue operating.
He also called on the government to block the app from running on mobile networks. However, several users in Yaounde reported that the app was still operating on Wednesday.
The head of the Cameroonian Consumer League, Delor Magellan Kamseu Kamgaing, expressed criticism over the suspension, stating that Yango's activities offered a highly appreciated quality of service, including affordable rides and safety for passengers.
