The European Parliament is addressing concerns regarding labor conditions at Sosucam after a violent strike led to a worker’s death. Marina Mesure criticized the company for violating workers’ rights, calling for accountability under EU law. Sosucam has since announced salary increases for its workers in response to the unrest, urging a return to work.
The European Parliament has raised alarms over poor working conditions at Cameroon’s leading sugar producer, Société Sucrière du Cameroun (Sosucam), following a violent strike on February 4, 2025, which resulted in the death of at least one worker. Marina Mesure, a French MEP, condemned this incident as a severe violation of workers’ rights and called for accountability.
In a letter addressed to the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mesure characterized the incidents at Sosucam’s plantations as repression and emphasized that under the EU’s new corporate due diligence directive, EU companies must ensure ethical practices in their foreign operations, directly implicating Sosucam’s French owner, Somdiaa.
Mesure’s concerns were heightened by a report from the Cameroonian Sugar Cane Workers’ Union which noted ongoing suppression of union activities at Sosucam, violating recognized labor rights, including the right to organize. She urged the European Commission to address these abuses with French authorities, emphasizing the necessity of protecting workers’ rights.
In response to these tensions, on February 7, 2025, Sosucam, through CEO Jean-Louis Liscio, announced several pay increases, including raising the base salary for category 2A workers and increasing allowances for seasonal workers. Sosucam encouraged its employees to resume work from February 8, 2025, following these concessions.
Marina Mesure’s condemnation of Sosucam highlights concerns about labor rights violations in Cameroon, particularly regarding a violent crackdown on workers and suppression of unions. Following international scrutiny, Sosucam has announced measures to improve worker compensation. The situation underscores the need for companies owned by EU entities to adhere to ethical labor practices.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
