The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called on workers across the continent to unite in defense of Africa’s sovereignty and economic independence, warning against what it described as a renewed wave of imperial influence threatening the continent’s future.
In a strongly worded statement signed by General Secretary Joel Odigie, the labour body expressed concern over remarks allegedly made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference, where he reportedly spoke about “reinvigorating the West” and referenced the legacy of “great western empires.”
ITUC-Africa described the comments as troubling and historically insensitive, noting that empire-building was rooted in extraction and exploitation, particularly in Africa following the Berlin Conference of 1884–85 which formalised the partition of the continent among European powers.
“Today, the world is changing again. Powerful nations are redefining their global role, and we must understand what this means for Africa,” the statement read. “History teaches us that when African workers are informed, organised and united, the continent moves forward. When we are divided, others decide our future.”
The union body warned that modern imperial influence now operates through economic sanctions, debt pressure, geopolitical leverage and political interference rather than territorial colonisation. Odigie described Rubio’s remarks as “a painful reminder of the devastation inflicted on Africa” during the Berlin Conference.
Citing examples from Latin America and the Middle East, ITUC-Africa argued that economic coercion and regime-change politics have destabilised weaker economies, leaving workers to bear the brunt of hardship. The statement also referenced rising global militarisation and ideological rhetoric centred on defending “Western civilisation,” cautioning that Africa must not become a theatre for geopolitical rivalries.
At the same time, the organisation acknowledged that internal governance challenges, including corruption, inequality, weak institutions and ethnic divisions, create vulnerabilities that external forces may exploit. “External forces succeed where internal weaknesses prevail,” Odigie noted, urging African governments to strengthen democratic institutions, pursue industrialisation, deepen regional integration and promote anti-corruption reforms.
ITUC-Africa called on trade unions to intensify mobilisation, strengthen solidarity across borders and engage governments through structured social dialogue. Defending sovereignty, it said, requires organised worker participation, accountability mechanisms and progressive economic policies that prioritise decent job creation.
The group urged workers to reject divisions based on ethnicity, religion or partisan politics, stressing that Africa’s future must be shaped by Africans themselves. “This is a defining moment in global history,” the statement added. “Power is shifting. Economic blocs are forming. Resources are being contested. Africa must not be passive.”
ITUC-Africa reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising workers across the continent to resist any internal or external agenda that undermines Africa’s sovereignty, dignity and long-term economic transformation.
By Michael Oche, Abuja
