Today, the world is changing again. Powerful nations are redefining their global role, and we must understand what this means for Africa.

At the Munich Security Conference in February 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke nostalgically about Western power and openly declared the intention to revive it. He stated that the United States of America seeks to “reinvigorate the West” and spoke of the legacy of the “great western empires.” He also urged allies to abandon what he called “guilt and shame” over colonial history.

Workers of Africa, we must listen carefully to such words — not emotionally, but historically and politically. Empire was never charity. It was an extraction excursion that left Africa and other colonies fractured. This statement from Munich is a painful reminder of the devastation that was inflicted on Africa on account of the 1884/85 Berlin Conference that led to the partitioning of the African continent by invading and rampaging colonisers. This Munich extremist call is an insult and a direct and dangerous threat to former colonies still nursing their wounds and living with their scars of colonialism. We reject and condemn this Munich statement.

Understanding the Pattern of Power
Facts speak for themselves.
In Latin America, the United States has used sanctions, political pressure, and even force in Venezuela, where officials themselves justified intervention and regime change efforts. Sanctions and oil seizures have disrupted Venezuela’s economy and oil trade, with critics saying such actions aim to pressure and reshape political systems.

In Cuba, economic blockades and sanctions have led to chronic shortages of essential services, including transportation, food, and health systems, according to international reporting. The horrors in Palestine continue to play out before our very eyes without respite in sight. A few days ago, President Donald Trump was heard boasting that he installed the new Syrian regime and can do whatever he likes and get away with it. The bullying of South Africa by the Trump Presidency hasn’t gone unnoticed as an arrogant power display to coerce.

Across global commentary, analysts warn that these actions reflect a broader doctrine — one in which economic pressure, sanctions, and geopolitical leverage are used to reshape governments and secure strategic interests, with devastating consequences for weak economies. This is what history calls imperial temperament — not always through colonisation, but through economic control, sanctions, debt, and influence.

The Global Climate of Conflict and Power
Around the world, militarised language and ideological framing are again shaping global politics. Commentators warn that calls to defend “Western civilisation” and justify global intervention reflect a worldview rooted in dominance and power projection.
Whether in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, or elsewhere, global conflicts remind us that sovereignty is not guaranteed — it must be defended politically, economically, and socially. Africa must never become a theatre for others’ geopolitical games.

The Real Danger: Division From Within and Widening Governance Deficits
But let us be honest with ourselves, external forces succeed where internal weaknesses prevail — corruption, inequality, poor governance, ethnic divisions, and distrust among citizens. When institutions weaken, economies collapse. When economies falter, workers suffer first.
Across Africa, some governments are attempting industrialisation, regional integration, anti-corruption reforms, and infrastructure development. These efforts are imperfect, but necessary. As trade unions, we must continue to organise and mobilise our members to demand, support, and defend progressive policies and programmes. Our tools of voice and representation must continue to be used to demand and secure accountability from our governments, as we are ever ready with alternative suggestions for improvement.

We must renew our commitments to:
• Support policies that create decent jobs and industrial growth.
• Demand transparency, anti-corruption enforcement, and fair distribution of wealth.
• Strengthening democratic participation without destroying national stability.
• Work with progressive governments to defend sovereignty and economic independence undertaken through constructive social dialogue, which is not surrender, but organised power.

Unite for Africa’s Economic Liberation
A Message From Our Shared History - As Bob Marley reminded us: “Africa Unite, ’cause we’re moving right out of Babylon”. Unity is not poetry; it is a strategy.

The Choice Before African Workers
Brothers and sisters, this is a defining moment in global history. The world is reorganising itself. Power is shifting. Economic blocs are forming. Resources are being contested. Africa must not be passive.

ITUC-Africa calls on all African workers to:
• Be vigilant, informed, and organised.
• Reject division based on ethnicity, religion, or politics.
• Strengthen trade unions and worker solidarity.
• Engage governments through strong, prescriptive social dialogue.
• Support progressive development while demanding accountability.
• Resist any agenda — internal or external — that weakens Africa’s sovereignty and economic future.

History has shown us: when African workers stand united, Africa stands strong. Let us be clear-headed, not fearful—Strategic, not manipulated. United, not divided. Africa Unite. Our future is ours to defend — and ours to build.
In solidarity,
Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary
ITUC-AFRICA
Lomé, Togo