Cameroon: Socapalm (part of Socfin) accused of replanting and expanding its palm oil plantations without local community's consent, and using security forces against protesting villagers; incl. co. responses
Reported alleges that Socapalm (part of Socfin) has been replanting oil palm trees in Apouh on land villagers say should have been returned to them as it constitutes the living space they need; and that Socapalm has expanded oil palm plantations in Mbonjo into cultivable areas used by village communities. Reported also alleges a lack of community dialogue and consent in both Apouh and Mbonjo for the replanting and expansions and says law enforcement used tear gas on protesting villagers in Apouh.
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Socapalm and Socfin to respond to the allegations, Socfin responded. Its responses can be read in full below.