The Cameroonian government has suspended maize imports in an effort to protect local farmers from unfair competition caused by excessive foreign supply. The decision was reached during an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on May 7.In a statement released on May 8, Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana directed the Directorate of Regulation and Quality Control of Agricultural Inputs and Products to immediately stop issuing maize import permits until further notice.The measure also applies to maize shipments already in the import process, serving as a temporary safeguard to stabilize the local market.Authorities say the decision follows growing complaints from farmers who have struggled to sell locally produced maize due to the influx of imported products. The oversupply has significantly reduced market prices, leaving many producers facing financial difficulties.Despite this shortfall, recent increases in imports have flooded the market and negatively impacted local producers.The Prime Minister’s meeting brought together several stakeholders to examine the imbalance between imported maize and domestic production. Government officials say the suspension is aimed at protecting the agricultural sector, which remains a major source of employment and livelihood for many Cameroonians.