Plusieurs unions syndicales africaines réitèrent leur soutien inconditionnel aux travailleurs sahraouis
Summary of the 10th Congress of the General Union of Workers of Sakia El-Hamra and Oued-Eddahab (UGTSARIO)
On April 18-20, 2023, the 10th congress of the General Union of Workers of Sakia El-Hamra and Oued-Eddahab (UGTSARIO) took place in the Sahrawi refugee camp of Dakhla. This significant event gathered over 400 delegates and international participants from various African labor unions, all expressing their unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination and independence in Western Sahara.
Arezki Mezhoud, the Secretary-General of the African Trade Union Organization (OUSA), underscored the importance of this congress to reinforce the solidarity with Sahrawi workers. He emphasized that their right to self-determination is non-negotiable, urging the international community and the labor movement to act in support of the Sahrawi cause. Mezhoud highlighted the need for the Sahrawi trade union movement to receive moral and strategic assistance to boost their efforts in claiming further rights and achievements for their people.
In a similar vein, Mohamed Abdallah Ould Beyna, Secretary-General of the Union of Workers of Mauritania (USTM), reiterated the ethical responsibility of trade unions to stand by the Sahrawi people. He asserted that labor movements possess the power to advocate for causes that may not gain traction through traditional political channels.
Djamel Ghoul, president of the National Independent Council of Imams and Public Officials of the Religious Affairs and Endowments sector, called for enhanced actions from the labor movement and the global community to restore the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. He argued that greater solidarity with Sahrawi workers can heighten awareness of their plight and spur more tangible support actions that would aid in the decolonization of what is referred to as Africa’s last colony.
The congress also included the commencement of the 8th International Conference of Solidarity with the Sahrawi People, attended by representatives from various international federations and unions. This aspect of the congress signifies a broader commitment to internationalizing the Sahrawi struggle and building a coalition of support that transcends regional boundaries.
In his opening remarks, Sellama Bachir, Secretary-General of UGTSARIO, presented the moral and financial report of the organization, reflecting on the achievements made during the prior mandate. He stressed the enhanced recognition and support for the Sahrawi state within the African Union (AU) and noted the increasing European solidarity with the Sahrawi cause, marking a positive trajectory for their struggle.
This year’s congress honored Chahid Ibrahim El-Mahdjoub, emphasizing the themes of "Action, Sacrifice, and Loyalty to the Martyrs." It reflects a continuing commitment to honor those who have sacrificed for the Sahrawi cause and reinforces the collective aspirations for the future.
The discussions and decisions taken during the congress are expected to energize the Sahrawi workers’ movement and bring renewed vigor to their quest for freedom and self-governance, solidifying the role of unions in advocating for social justice and rights globally.
The UGTSARIO congress serves not only as a platform for solidarity among workers but also as an essential step toward raising awareness about the ongoing issues faced by the Sahrawi people, highlighting the need for unified global action against colonialism and for the rights of oppressed communities worldwide.
