Across the continent, African workers have consistently upheld that democracy and constitutionalism form the bedrock of peace, justice, and shared prosperity. Just as we reject military interventions in civil governance, we equally denounce “civilian coups”—when leaders seek to subvert or overthrow their country’s constitutions to prolong their stay in power. We further condemn all attempts to silence opposition voices, manipulate electoral systems, or stage sham elections designed to entrench authoritarian rule. These acts—whether executed by force of arms or by political deceit—betray the will of the people and erode the hard-won democratic gains of African societies.

We commend leaders across Africa who have resisted the lure, temptation, and persuasion to alter term limits or manipulate constitutions for personal gain. These leaders remain true statespersons—guardians of constitutional democracy—worthy of respect and reference by future generations.

However, we must call out and condemn those who have chosen the opposite path: those who dismantle constitutional order and weaken democratic institutions for the sake of political survival. Such actions corrode governance, polarize societies, and expose nations to instability, insecurity, and economic regression.

ITUC-Africa joins ZCTU in urging African citizens, civil society, and the labour movement to remain vigilant and steadfast in defending the integrity of their constitutions. Societies that work are those governed by the rule of law, not the law of force. When constitutions are trampled, democracy dies—and with it, the hopes of workers for decent work, social justice, and equitable development.

We therefore call upon all African Union member states, regional economic communities, and global partners to reaffirm the sanctity of constitutional rule and democratic responsive accountable governance as indispensable pillars of Africa’s transformation agenda.

Democracy must not be for convenience—it must be for conviction.

Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary, ITUC-Africa
Lomé, Togo