African workers have raised the alarm over deepening hardship across the continent, blaming wars, economic dependence and governance failures for worsening poverty, unemployment, and the erosion of fundamental rights.

In a message marking International Workers’ Day, the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) said the global environment, defined by armed conflicts, economic crises, and political upheavals, has placed workers under unprecedented strain.

Its Secretary-General, Arezki Mezhoud, warned that Africa is bearing a disproportionate burden, with recurring conflicts, terrorism threats and political instability compounding already fragile economies.

“Armed conflicts and persistent violence… as well as greed and predation against Africa further weaken societies and undermine fundamental rights,” the union said.

OATUU painted a stark picture of socio-economic decline across Africa, citing rising unemployment, particularly among youths, deteriorating living standards, collapsing social services and expansion of poverty and the informal economy.

The continental 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, including heavy reliance on external markets, exposure to energy shocks, and limited industrial capacity.

Against this backdrop, OATUU renewed its push for Africa’s economic independence, urging governments to harness the continent’s vast resources for the benefit of its people rather than external interests.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to social justice and workers’ rights, economic sovereignty, stronger international labour solidarity and peace and stability across Africa.

It warned that continued exploitation of Africa’s wealth, coupled with weak governance, risks deepening inequality and social unrest.

Therefore, 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.

OATUU argued that without urgent reforms, millions of workers will remain trapped in precarious conditions, with little prospect for upward mobility.

OATUU strongly condemned the use of war and violence as tools of economic domination, warning that conflicts often serve as cover for the exploitation of weaker nations’ resources.

While stressing that wars cost more than development, it added that resources spent on conflict could be redirected toward solving pressing global challenges.

The organisation expressed solidarity with workers and populations affected by crises in the Sahel, Sudan, and the Great Lakes region, where insecurity continues to devastate livelihoods.

It also decried the forced transfer and arbitrary expulsion of migrant workers, describing such actions 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 a day symbolic of struggle and solidarity, OATUU urged African workers and affiliates to unite and resist policies it described as anti-worker and destabilising.

It equally called for sustained mobilisation to confront inequality, defend democratic rights and prevent the continued plundering of Africa’s resources.

As economic pressures mount and geopolitical tensions persist, the message from Africa’s labour movement is that the fight for dignity, justice, and fair working conditions is far from over and may intensify soon.