Cross-border pastoralism is a major economic, social, and territorial pillar in Central Africa, spanning Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and eastern DRC. This report argues that the current crisis goes beyond mere agro-pastoral tensions and climate change: it reflects the gradual takeover of corridors, livestock markets, and trade flows by armed groups and cross-border predatory networks. Livestock is becoming a mobile store of value, and transhumance routes are turning into areas of coercive taxation. This exploitation manifests itself through livestock theft, raids, kidnappings for ransom, extortion, and arms trafficking, involving armed groups, highwaymen, traffickers, and corrupt officials.

The report recommends an integrated response combining land governance, corridor protection, livestock traceability, and enhanced cross-border cooperation.

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