African Miners Federation Calls on AU to Act Against Attacks on Workers

By Desire Tshuma

Cairo – The African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth has urged the African Union to take urgent action over what it describes as “serious violations” and “escalating attacks against African workers.”

In a statement issued from its executive offices in Cairo, Egypt, the Federation said the AU must adopt a clear and principled position on the violations, convene emergency African consultations, and defend African unity, freedom of movement, and the dignity of African workers.

“Silence in the face of these crimes amounts to indirect encouragement for their continuation and threatens the future of African unity and solidarity,” the statement read.

The Federation stressed that “Africa belongs to all Africans” and that “the unity of African peoples is a red line.” It closed with the slogans: “Long live African unity. Long live African workers’ solidarity. No to xenophobia. No to violence against Africans.”

The statement was issued by Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, General Secretary of the African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth. ZDAMWU is also an affiliate of African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth and Mr Justice Chinhema is the Assistant Secretary General.