By Helen Shok Jok, Kenya
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation ITUC- Africa, says it is deeply concerned by the increasing frequency of public protests across the continent.
A statement signed by the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Comrade Joel Odigie said, “These demonstrations mirror the mounting socio economic distress and political dissatisfaction felt by millions of citizens.
“As a pan African trade union federation representing more than 17 million workers in 52 countries, ITUC Africa remains steadfast in its defence of human and trade union rights, its commitment to deepening democracy, and its pursuit of sociai justice and inclusive development throughout Africa.”
There has been numerous protests around the continent in recent times including the most recent in Togo and Kenya.
He said that protest is not a crime but rather a democratic right and a legitimate channel through which citizens voice grievances, demand accountability, and help shape decisions that affect their lives.
According to him, the right is protected by national constitutions, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and international instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“We affirm that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Vox Populi, Vox Dei.
“We ask Governments to heed the calls of the people because they are the collective conscience of the nations. Governments have a constitutional duty not only to listen with humility and urgency, but also to respond through meaningful action, inclusive dialogue, and reforms that reflect the legitimate demands of their citizens,” he stated.
Comrade Odigie stressed that the surge in protests is driven by spiralling living costs, rising inequality, lack of decent jobs and surging unemployment, and political exclusion, adding that Governments must refrain from repression, instead honouring their constitutional duty to safeguard peaceful assembly and creating genuine channels for engagement.
The statement said, “Government should utilise social dialogue as an engine of collective peaceful dialogue, grounded in trust, respect, and participation as that is the most sustainable path to resolve conflicts, bridge divisions, and craft equitable solutions.”
The Federation urged Governments to among other things, defend the right to peaceful protest, renounce excessive force, and foster meaningful, inclusive and continuous dialogue with citizens and social partners saying that repression breeds instability while dialogue nurtures peace.
That citizens and protesters should be allowed to exercise their rights responsibly, remain peaceful, and steer clear of violence or destruction as no cause is advanced by chaos, plunder or lawlessness.
Other demands include that, “Security forces and judicial institutions to act impartially, uphold the law, and protect not curtail citizens’ rights and social partners, trade unions, employers, and civil society to champion social dialogue and peaceful civic engagement as the preferred route to reform and stability.
“As a trade union movement, we believe enduring peace and stability cannot be imposed by silence or force but must be built on inclusive governance, economic justice, and unfailing respect for human dignity.
“Ignoring citizens’ voices deepens discontent, listening and responding through social dialogue opens the way to shared solutions and lasting peace,” the ITUC-Africa Scribe said.