THE AFRICAN Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has issued a strong statement of solidarity with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), firmly supporting its rejection of alleged attempts to amend Zimbabwean constitution to extend presidential term limits.
In a statement signed by ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, the labour body, representing over 18 million African workers, draws a parallel between military takeovers and what it terms “civilian coups” — situations where elected leaders systematically subvert constitutional order to cling to power.
ITUC-Africa explicitly condemned “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,” the statement read.
The organisation commended African leaders who have resisted altering term limits, describing them as “true statespersons” and “guardians of constitutional democracy.”
It unequivocally condemned those who choose the opposite path, warning that their actions “corrode governance, polarize societies, and expose nations to instability, insecurity, and economic regression.”
Aligning with the ZCTU’s position, ITUC-Africa called upon African citizens, civil society, and the broader labour movement to remain vigilant in defending the integrity of their national constitutions. It argued that functional societies are governed by the rule of law, not by the arbitrary exercise of power.
“When constitutions are trampled, democracy dies — and with it, the hopes of workers for decent work, social justice, and equitable development,” the statement asserted.
The statement concluded with a call to action for African Union member states, regional economic communities, and global partners to reaffirm the sanctity of constitutional rule and accountable governance as indispensable pillars for Africa’s future; adding that: “Democracy must not be for convenience — it must be for conviction.”
