SDF forms coalition with twenty trade unions to address Cameroon’s economic, social and political woes

Cameroon’s one-time leading opposition party, the Social Democratic party, SDF, has formed a coalition with some trade unions in the country.

The political party and the over twenty trade unions agreed to form what they call Cameroon Labour movement, (CALAMO) to address issues affecting the country.

This was the outcome of a three-day meeting held in Kribi which resulted in the issuing of what all the parties present called ‘The Kribi declaration.’

According to a statement signed by the trade unionist and the party leaders, discusions took into consideration the constitution of the country, worrisome economic, social and political situation of the country, the situation of workers amongst others.

“From May 11-13, 2023, the very first consultation workshop for the establishment of a working platform between trade unions and the social Democratic Front held in Kribi. Organized by the Social Democratic Front, the workshop brought together 20 leaders from the national trade union confederation, federations and unions on the one hand and SDF leaders on the other hand,” the declaration reads in it’s opening statement.

The SDF delegation at the meeting was led by Osih Joshua Nabangi, First Vice National Chairman of the party and Member of Parliament from Wouri.

After what the attendees described as frank discussions, they agreed on a five-point program which included the formation of CALAMO as a working platform.

According to the resolutions arrived at, the leaders “welcomed the ideological convergence and points of view on the challenges of a collaboration between the two parties.”

To ensure sustainability, CALAMO was created with a view to pooling skills, capacities, actions and resources.

Undertaking to establish a political platform for the future,they also agreed to let the platform open to all organizations that share valuiof social democracy.

By David Atangana