Debt crisis: Trade unions set to checkmate African govts’ borrowings

African trade unions, convening in Lusaka, Zambia for the ongoing ITUC-Africa New Year School, have resolved to implement checks and balances measures on governments across the continent regarding borrowing practices.

They emphasized that the escalating debt burden in Africa is severely impacting workers and the overall living conditions of the people, necessitating urgent action.

Led by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, under the leadership of Comrade Martha Molema, President, and Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, General Secretary, the trade unions are committed to constructively engaging governments to address the detrimental effects of excessive borrowing.

This approach aims to advance the transformational agenda of the continent while mitigating job losses, poverty, and hunger exacerbated by the debt crisis.

During the declaration of this resolution in his welcome address, the President of the Zambian Congress of Trade Unions, Comrade Blake Malala, highlighted the negative impacts of borrowing on innocent citizens, future prospects, and national growth.

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He emphasized that mismanagement of loans has detrimental effects on workers’ wages and suffocates citizens due to the dire consequences of accumulating debt.

He went on to say; “We the trade unions in Africa are not going to spend our time lamenting, rather we will begin to carry out checks and balances on our governments. We will not leave the politicians alone to handle the affairs of our continent anymore. It is time for African leaders to govern to make Africa prosperous and developed to prevent our young ones from dying in the Mediterranean Sea all the time.

“We are not a body of opposition against the government but we will provide checks and balances in the interest of good governance and a better Africa for all. We will support the government but we will check its policies and ensure it doesn’t suffocate or mortgage our countries and the lives of our children. And this is the message we are sending across Africa to our governments.

“We will not vote in careless leaders that will further put Africa and its citizens into a sinking boat anymore. The debt issue is big. It has affected the African government’s bargaining process and power. Governments across Africa borrow money but how they use the money we don’t know. The time has come for trade unions in Africa to start asking questions on how our governments utilize the monies they borrow. Time has come for labour unions in Africa to play a rich role when our governments engage in this issue of borrowing because the debt crisis is affecting the whole continent.

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“We urge the media to help us in lauding our voice on this issue of our government’s borrowing. Because of this borrowing and its consequences, many multinational companies in Africa don’t respect out labour laws. They treat our workers and people unfairly in the name of employment. This is a challenge that affects many workers specifically in the private sector across Africa. We call on those who support fair labour treatment across the world to join us in this crusade against indecent work practices in the African continent.”

On his part, the General Secretary of the ITUC-Africa, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie on his part said; “I am acutely aware of the profound impact of that the debt crisis has had on the lives of millions of workers and citizens across our continent, including workers in Zambia. From wage freezes to dwindling social protections, the ramifications of unsustainable debt are far-reaching and deeply troubling. It is imperative that we take decisive action to address this issue and chart a path toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all Africans.:

He added; “Education for action lies at the heart of our approach to tackling the debt crisis. Through flagship initiatives such as the Trade Union Leadership Development Academy (TULDA) and the New Year School NYS), we are empowering our members and African workers with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for change and mobilize their communities. By fostering trade union renewal and promoting education for mobilization. We are laying the groundwork for a grassroots movement the will push for meaningful reforms and policy interventions.

“Our rationale for launching the upcoming debt campaign in Lusaka is clear: African countries cannot continue to be shackled by the chains of debt bondage imposed by external creditors. We have seen first-hand the devastating consequences of austerity measures and structural adjustment programs, which have only served to exacerbate inequality and deepen poverty. It is time for us to reclaim our sovereignty and demand accountability from those responsible for perpetuating this cycle of debt dependency.”

Capping the message, ITUC-Africa President, Comrade Martha Molema, said; “At the heart of our mission lies the recognition that trade unions must not be mere voices of lamentation and complaint but be voices for pragmatic solutions through education.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE