SOSUCAM Strike Turns Violent: Fire Destroys 150 Hectares of Sugar Plantations in Cameroon

Cameroon’s Sugar Corporation (SOSUCAM) suffered a major setback on February 4, 2025, when a fire destroyed 150 hectares of its sugarcane plantations following a violent employee strike in Nkoteng. The protest, initially driven by demands for better wages and working conditions, escalated into riots, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Governor Naseri Paul Bea confirmed the incident, but SOSUCAM has yet to release an official statement. The unrest erupted just over a week after the appointment of the company’s new CEO, Jean-Louis Liscio.

The destruction of sugarcane fields could impact SOSUCAM’s sugar production, which already struggles to meet Cameroon’s growing demand. The company owns 25,000 hectares of plantations across several regions and typically produces between 100,000 and 130,000 tons of sugar annually—far below the national demand of nearly 300,000 tons. This shortfall has made Cameroon increasingly reliant on imports. In the first half of 2024 alone, the country imported 105,400 tons of sugar, valued at CFA 42.8 billion (approx. USD 67 million). SOSUCAM, jointly owned by the government (26%) and the Somdia Group (74%), employs 8,000 people and generates an estimated annual revenue of CFA 60 billion (approx. USD 94 million), making it a critical player in the country's sugar industry.

Tensions have since eased following a meeting last Wednesday that brought together administrative authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders to address the unrest and restore peace. To stabilise the situation, authorities have implemented several measures, including the temporary closure of traditional liquor stores, believed to have fueled the tensions. Community leaders and government officials continue to work closely to address workers' grievances and prevent further violence. The focus now is on achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict while safeguarding the industry’s stability and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.