Côte d'Ivoire cocoa producers launch indefinite strike

The National Agricultural Syndicate for Progress in Côte d'Ivoire (SYNAP-CI) has launched an indefinite strike, demanding the removal of Koné Brahima Yves, the Director General of the Conseil du Café-Cacao. During a mobilization in Bouaflé, syndicate president Koné Moussa described the strike as a ‘combat for survival,’ citing concerns over unsold cocoa stocks and issues with the mandatory producer card system.

SYNAP-CI also raised allegations regarding the national traceability system, claiming some producers received sales notifications for cocoa they had not yet commercialized.

In response, the Conseil du Café-Cacao issued a statement affirming that the National Traceability System (SNT) is functioning correctly. The institution emphasized that the system, which includes mandatory producer cards, was designed to meet European deforestation regulations effective January 2027. The Council rejected the syndicate's criticisms and noted that the traceability system is vital for the economy, as cocoa accounts for 15% of Côte d'Ivoire's GDP and 40% of its export revenues.