Moussa Koné, president of Côte d'Ivoire's National Agricultural Union for Progress (SYNAP-CI), has reaffirmed his commitment to defending the interests of cocoa producers in the country. This comes after his hearing at the Abidjan Gendarmerie, where he was summoned 72 hours prior. Koné addressed hundreds of producers in Daloa, denouncing the situation and vowing to continue the union's fight.
The gathering in Daloa, which drew over 3,000 producers from various cocoa-producing regions, was a show of solidarity with Koné. Producers used the opportunity to express their support and gratitude for his efforts. Koné expressed his pride and recognition of the solidarity, stating that he had not expected such a large turnout. The union's primary demands include the resignation of the director-general of the Coffee and Cocoa Council.
Koné cited the director-general's inaccessibility and inability to address the daily challenges faced by producers as reasons for his demand for resignation. He also criticized the use of force in response to protests, advocating for dialogue to resolve issues in the coffee-cocoa sector. The union is demanding that the government guarantee producers 60% of the CAF price announced and resolve the issue of cocoa stocks held by certain cooperatives and producers.
Additionally, the SYNAP-CI is calling for a revision of the kilogram price of cocoa and the rapid appointment of a new director-general. Koné proposed organizing a seminar with stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the sector and formulate concrete proposals. He emphasized that being a union is not just about criticizing but also about offering solutions.
Despite his Gendarmerie hearing, Koné stated that he will not back down from his union commitments. He rejected the idea that his release from the Gendarmerie was a personal victory, insisting that the fight will continue. Koné urged producers to maintain their mobilization and continue the strike until their demands are met.
The SYNAP-CI has identified three key priorities: the departure of the Coffee and Cocoa Council's director-general, resolving the issue of remaining stocks, and revising the kilogram price of cocoa. The union's mobilization in Daloa demonstrates its determination to maintain pressure on the authorities. The sector's issues, including commercialization, stocks, and remuneration, remain a concern.
The cocoa sector is a crucial part of Côte d'Ivoire's economy, and the SYNAP-CI's demands reflect the challenges faced by producers. The government's response to these demands and the sector's challenges remains to be seen. Koné's leadership and the union's mobilization have brought attention to the plight of cocoa producers in Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- Moussa Koné reaffirms commitment to defending cocoa producers' interests despite Gendarmerie hearing.
- SYNAP-CI demands resignation of Coffee and Cocoa Council's director-general, resolution of cocoa stock issues, and price revision.
- Union proposes seminar with stakeholders to address sector challenges and formulate solutions.
