By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Workers in Africa, under the aegis of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa, have called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, warning that the crisis is not only deepening humanitarian suffering in the region but also worsening economic conditions across Africa. Representing over 18 million workers in 52 African countries, the organisation stressed that the ripple effects of the war are already being felt through rising inflation, escalating living costs, and growing hardship among ordinary citizens.

In a statement released from Lomé, Togo, ITUC-Africa’s General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, expressed unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine while urging the international community to act decisively to halt the violence.

The organisation also highlighted the vulnerability of African migrant workers caught in conflict zones, noting that continued instability threatens livelihoods, safety, and economic stability far beyond the Middle East.

“The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), representing over 18 million workers across 52 African countries, expresses its unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine in the face of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and devastating war.”

“We echo the earlier statement of the ITUC and the recent position by HAK-İŞ Turkey that the blockade of Gaza has created an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, disproportionately affecting workers, women, and children, and we reaffirm the urgent need to amplify the global demand for an immediate end to the siege.”

“We recognise that the current crisis is not confined to Palestine alone but is part of a broader and deeply concerning escalation across the Middle East, including in Lebanon and Iran.”

“These developments, especially those beyond and around the Strait of Hormuz, are already affecting Africa, spiking inflation, skyrocketing the cost of living, and burdening almost all Africans.”

“There are also cases of growing suffering of African migrant workers caught in the crossfire of these avoidable wars.”

“We recall that the Palestinian question is not only a geopolitical issue, but fundamentally a matter of human dignity, justice, and workers’ rights.”

“As African trade unions, we speak not only in solidarity, but from lived historical experience. We understand the pain of marginalisation, the denial of rights, and the long struggle for dignity and self-determination.”

“ITUC-Africa strongly reaffirms its support for a just and lasting solution based on the two-state framework, with Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace and security, and with full respect for the rights, sovereignty, and self-determination of the Palestinian people.”

“We call on the international community to uphold international law consistently and without double standards, ensure accountability for violations, and guarantee protection for all civilians.”

“We also call for unimpeded humanitarian access, protection of humanitarian corridors, and immediate de-escalation across the region to prevent further loss of life and regional instability.”

“As trade unions, we emphasise that peace cannot be achieved without justice, and justice cannot be sustained without dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual consensus.”

“We reaffirm: No to war. No to occupation. Yes to peace, justice, and dignity.”

The organisation further urged global leaders to reject selective diplomacy and instead pursue inclusive dialogue involving workers’ organisations, civil society, and other key stakeholders. It stressed that only a coordinated and principled international response can restore stability and prevent further economic and humanitarian decline.

ITUC-Africa concluded by calling for renewed global commitment to diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, warning that failure to act decisively could deepen both the human tragedy in the Middle East and the economic strain already impacting millions of African workers.