Cameroon: family allowances and salaries increased in the face of rising fuel prices
Cameroonian President Paul Biya decreed, on Wednesday February 21, a 5% increase in the salaries of civil servants and state agents.
In another decree signed the same day, he decided to increase family allowances for public and private workers, up to 60%.
These measures come almost three weeks after the increase in fuel prices at the pump.
They are supposed to soften the consequences for the populations,
In a gas station in Yaoundé, Cameroon (illustrative image).
The measures to increase benefits and increase salaries come almost three weeks after the increase in fuel prices.
AFP - DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in Cameroon,
Polycarpe Essomba
President Paul Biya's decrees provide for salary increases for civil servants and state agents of 5% from the end of February.
Enough to make those mainly concerned happy?
Not really if we are to believe Jean Marc Bikoko, the president of the main union center in the public sector: “
5% compared to the 20% increase in fuel prices which itself induces the increase in other basic necessities it's insignificant
.
»
Only to “
employed parents
”
What
then of the revaluation, this time significant, of family allowances for public and private workers to 60%?
Jean Marc Bikoko puts the impact into perspective given the fact that a very large part of the population is excluded, he argues: “
This increase in the amount of family allowances is only aimed at employed parents.
Either from the public service or the private sector.
And when we know that they barely represent 10% of the active population, what about the remaining 90%?
Benefits must be extended to all working and non-working parents.
»
Other solutions
Other solutions to improve the daily lives of the people of
Cameroon
and replenish the state coffers exist, believes the trade unionist.
To begin with, he suggests, by reducing the state's lifestyle: “
The Cameroonian government has more than sixty ministers, with all the insolent advantages associated with it.
The government can review all of this in order to have free rein to manage the financial constraints it faces
.
»
In addition to these measures, other negotiations are underway between the government and various social partners.
Particularly on the question of the increase in the minimum wage.
Read alsoCameroon: transport prices increase following the rise in fuel prices
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