Cameroon Sugarcane Workers Clash with Police, Over 150 Hectares Destroyed
Photo: Flip.it
February 9, 2025 Hour: 3:05 pm
Violent clashes between sugarcane plantation workers and police forces have led to the destruction of over 150 hectares of sugarcane fields at Société Sucrière du Cameroun (SOSUCAM), Cameroon’s largest sugar producer.
The unrest erupted earlier this week as workers protested harsh labor conditions, low wages, and salary delays. Demonstrators described their working environment as “slavery with pay,” citing the grueling physical toll of cutting sugarcane for meager wages.
Tensions escalated after a workers’ strike turned violent, leading to one death, multiple injuries—including among police officers—and at least 20 arrests. The mayor of Nkoteng, Kanga Esaïe Hubert, confirmed the heavy militarization of the city, where business and daily activities have been severely disrupted.
SOSUCAM, a subsidiary of the French group Somdiaa, announced on Friday that it would increase salaries and monthly bonuses to ease tensions. However, many workers remain skeptical, demanding structural reforms and better labor protections before resuming work.
The unrest has sparked political outrage across Cameroon, with growing pressure on the government and SOSUCAM to implement long-term solutions.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
