Africa being an endowed continent is not a cliche. In relating with the rest of the world over the last millennium and more, however, her potential has been undermined and her people impoverished by slavery, colonialism and neocolonialism as well as persistent internal conflicts. These have been possible because of weak security and the complicity of local elites and collaborators and also the manipulation of internal differences by external interests.

African people and their civil society organizations, including workers and their trade unions are gearing up in the struggle against continuing exploitation, corruption and sell out of elites to foreign interests and to organize and mobilize for the achievement of rights, dignity, good governance, justice, peace and social progress as set out in the Kilimanjaro Declaration.

ITUC-Africa believes that the Africans Rising Movement can make essential contribution to the attainment of our goals of decent work and decent life for all.
We call on other progressive forces and platforms on our continent to join forces with the Africans Rising Movement to further our quest for true and enduring freedom, shared prosperity and peace.

We also recall the African Union’s theme for 2017 on “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in Youth” and take the opportunity of the commemoration of Africa Day to reiterate the need to do everything towards the effective deployment of the potentials, skills, talents and energy of Africa’s young people. Our youth is our present and future and we must nurture and nourish their dreams in our enlightened self-interest.

Kwasi Adu-Amankwah
General Secretary