Consultations with the stakeholders in the transport sector has served as an opportunity for the Minister of Transport to preach peace.
But what has scared Robert Nkili? This is the question that arose from some participants in the meeting on Wednesday, in Douala, attended by the governor of the Littoral region, trade unionists in the transport sector, consumers, civil society and the media who all came to hear what the Minister had to say.
After a meeting between the social partners in the transport sector in Yaoundé, on July 3, to discuss rising fuel prices at the pump and domestic gas, Robert Nkili came to Douala, not to negotiate, but to gather trade unionists concerns and forward it to authorities."
From the outset, the Minister revisits, as if it were still necessary, the order and decree of the Head of State on the readjustment of hydrocarbon rates. "The private sector has not been forgotten. The Head of State requested that negotiations be opened between employers' associations, trade unions and the Minister responsible for the revision of SMIG,"argues Nkili.
"For accompanying measures to have the desired effect, we should understand that this decision was the only way ... The Head of State congratulates you for your sense of responsibility.”
"Moreover, events like those of 2008 should not be drawn into these abuses. This measure is beneficial. Cameroon should remain a safe haven. We want peace for this. If peace doesn't continue in Douala, the economic capital, there will be no more business. We welcome these measures with great calm. It does not mean members of the Government will fail to address the thorny problem of illegal transport.” The latter comment received elicit applause across the room.
Some observers said he was fleeing the real debate and trade unionists were falling for it. But not all trade unionists were caught up.
President of the Private Sector Teachers Union, Joseph Longo Massango, was quick to respond. "You master the French you know how to play with ... but be aware that the order of June 30 on the increase in fuel prices is nothing in the eyes of the law, since it is signed by the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister," he says.
Spokesman for the Coalition of Unions of Urban and Interurban Transport, Robert Wandji, does not mince words. He said: "You violated your principle of social dialogue by putting us in the dark. You have raised prices without any consultation with stakeholders. If the accompanying measures you cite are not effective, the truth will be exposed.”
Its president, Appollo Diame says: "Prices taxes have not changed. The withholding tax is still at 12,000 CFA francs (instead of 10,000 FCFA). If this is still the case Thursday, we will sit in front of the governor's office."
Mr Diame also demands the reduction in the franchise tax for inter-urban transport by 50 per cent, the removal of the tax on advertising, removing the sticker and reducing a litre of petrol from 650 FCFA to 610 FCFA and diesel from 600 to 565 CFA francs. While other trade unionists rather demanded the cancellation of the government action.
