The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) has raised alarm over the worsening hardship faced by workers across Africa, attributing the crisis to armed conflicts, economic dependency, and governance failures. In a statement marking International Workers' Day, the union highlighted the disproportionate burden borne by the continent amid global instability.
Deepening Socio-Economic Decline
OATUU Secretary-General Arezki Mezhoud warned that recurring conflicts, terrorism, and political instability are compounding fragile economies. The union cited rising unemployment, especially among youths, deteriorating living standards, collapsing social services, and the expansion of poverty and the informal economy. It also noted growing threats to democracy and labor rights, including violations of freedom of association and attacks on civil liberties.
Call for Economic Independence
OATUU renewed its push for Africa's economic independence, urging governments to harness the continent's resources for the benefit of its people rather than external interests. The union reaffirmed its commitment to social justice, workers' rights, economic sovereignty, and stronger international labor solidarity.
Urgent Reforms Needed
OATUU called for the creation of decent and sustainable jobs, improved purchasing power for workers, gender equality in the workplace, expanded social protection systems, cancellation of Africa's rising debt burden, free and accessible healthcare and education, and intensified anti-corruption measures. Without urgent reforms, millions of workers will remain trapped in precarious conditions.
Condemnation of War and Exploitation
The union strongly condemned the use of war and violence as tools of economic domination, warning that conflicts often serve as cover for resource exploitation. It stressed that resources spent on conflict could be redirected toward solving pressing global challenges. OATUU 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.
Defending International Labor Standards
OATUU warned that the International Labour Organisation faces mounting challenges that could undermine its role in protecting workers globally. The union 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.
The message from Africa's labour movement is clear: the fight for dignity, justice, and fair working conditions is far from over and may intensify soon.
