The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) has raised alarm over deepening hardship across Africa, attributing worsening poverty, unemployment, and erosion of fundamental rights to wars, economic dependence, and governance failures. In a message marking International Workers' Day, OATUU highlighted that armed conflicts, economic crises, and political upheavals have placed workers under unprecedented strain.
Disproportionate Burden on Africa
Secretary-General Arezki Mezhoud warned that Africa bears a disproportionate burden, with recurring conflicts, terrorism, and political instability compounding fragile economies. He stated, "Armed conflicts and persistent violence, as well as greed and predation against Africa, further weaken societies and undermine fundamental rights." OATUU painted a stark picture of socio-economic decline, citing rising youth unemployment, deteriorating living standards, collapsing social services, and expansion of poverty and the informal economy.
Threats to Democracy and Labour Rights
The union also highlighted growing threats to democracy and labour rights, including violations of freedom of association and attacks on civil liberties. These trends reflect structural weaknesses in many African economies, such as heavy reliance on external markets, exposure to energy shocks, and limited industrial capacity. OATUU renewed its push for economic independence, urging governments to harness the continent's resources for the benefit of its people rather than external interests.
Call for Urgent Reforms
OATUU reaffirmed its commitment to social justice, workers' rights, economic sovereignty, international labour solidarity, and peace. It warned that continued exploitation of Africa's wealth, coupled with weak governance, risks deepening inequality and social unrest. The union called for decent and sustainable jobs, improved purchasing power, gender equality in the workplace, expanded social protection systems, cancellation of Africa's rising debt burden, free healthcare and education, and intensified anti-corruption measures. Without urgent reforms, millions of workers will remain trapped in precarious conditions.
Condemnation of War and Violence
OATUU strongly condemned the use of war and violence as tools of economic domination, warning that conflicts often serve as cover for exploitation. It stressed that wars cost more than development and resources spent on conflict could be redirected toward solving pressing global challenges. The organisation expressed solidarity with workers affected by crises in the Sahel, Sudan, and the Great Lakes region, and decried the forced transfer and arbitrary expulsion of migrant workers as violations of human rights and international labour standards.
In a notable warning, OATUU said the International Labour Organisation faces mounting challenges that could undermine its role in protecting workers globally. "Defending the ILO is essential to preserving social multilateralism and workers' rights worldwide," the union stated. On International Workers' Day, OATUU urged African workers to unite and resist anti-worker policies, calling for sustained mobilisation to confront inequality, defend democratic rights, and prevent the continued plundering of Africa's resources. As economic pressures mount, the fight for dignity, justice, and fair working conditions is far from over.
