COMRADE Akhator Afolabi Joel Odigie, the General Secretary of International Trade Union Confederation Africa (ITUC-Africa), recently engaged with key British ministers, at Westminster in a step towards strengthening the role of African trade unions in advancing democracy and development across the continent.
The two separate meetings with Lord Collins of Highbury, the UK’s Minister for Africa and Rt. Honourable Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Women and Equality as well as Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, focused on reinforcing the contributions of African trade unions to democratic consolidation, development and tackling global challenges like climate change.
At the meeting, Comrade Odigie highlighted the central role of organised labour in Africa’s socio-political landscape, emphasising the crucial contributions of trade unions in the continent’s pursuit of decolonisation, the fight against apartheid and current development goals.
He stressed that while Africa continues to face significant challenges, particularly concerning governance and economic growth, the labour movement remains steadfast in its efforts to build an inclusive Africa that works for all.
“African trade unions are not afforded the luxury of lamentation,” said Odigie. “Despite the dire situation, we are digging deeper and becoming more robust in our efforts to ensure the birth of an Africa that benefits every community. Workers are a key engine in this drive.”
The ITUC-Africa leader further called for enhanced solidarity and support from non-state actors across Africa and international partners to continue advancing democracy and development. In particular, he urged the UK to amplify its engagement with African trade unions and help mobilise resources to support their work.
In his response, Lord Collins of Highbury, a former trade union leader with the General Transport Workers Union of the UK, echoed Odigie’s sentiments.
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