N4 road (Central African Republic)

The N4 route diverges from the N2 in the town of Damara, located approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Bangui. Initially, the road proceeds northwestward before turning northward, traversing the rolling savannah landscape. This region is characterized by a mix of vegetation, with taller trees primarily found near riverbeds, a distinctive feature of the country's landscape. The unpaved road passes through several larger villages but does not connect to major towns. Ultimately, the N4 reaches the border with Chad at Moyen-Sido, where it continues into Chad as a road leading to Sarh.^[4]

The connection between the Central African Republic and Chad offers two route options: the western route via the N4 and the eastern route via the N8-RR10, passing through Kaga-Bandoro. Both routes are unpaved dirt roads, which can be challenging to navigate during and after rainfall. In the 1970s, a study was conducted to determine which route between Bangui and N'Djamena should be prioritized. The options were the western route via the N1 or the eastern route via the N4. In 1972, the Chadian government preferred the western route, while the Central African Republic government favored the eastern route. Despite minimal differences between the two options, the eastern route via Kaga-Bandoro was deemed more important due to its role in handling Chad's traffic to the port of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo. However, neither plan came to fruition. Today, both the N4 and N8-RR10 remain unpaved and often impassable during the rainy season. To preserve the roads, heavy traffic is frequently restricted during and after rainfall, allowing the dirt roads to dry out and preventing damage.^[5]