In January 2026, the French union Union Syndicale Solidaires alleged union elections were held at sugar plantation company Sosucam (part of Somdia), in Cameroon, without the participation of an officially accredited union, Syndicat des Travailleurs Saisonniers de la Filière Canne à Sucre (STRASCAS).

STRASCAS has reportedly been fighting for improved working conditions for seasonal workers on Sosucam's plantations. Previous reporting emphasised these workers have been subjected to a range of alleged abuses, including dangerous working conditions and retaliation against protesting workers. Striking workers were allegedly met with violence by security forces.

Sosucam allegedly refused to accept STRASCAS's participation in the election. Union Syndicale Solidaires alleges this constitutes an attack on union pluralism and calls into question the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Union Syndicale Solidaires also calls on Castel Group (Somdia's parent company) to investigate Sosucam's practices.

In January, the Business & Human Rights Centre invited Sosucam and Castel Group to respond to the allegations. Sosucam's response can be read in full below; Castel Group did not respond.

In February, STRASCAS submitted a rejoinder to BHRC, which can be read in full below.