*call for immediate release of detained workers
By Michael Oche
As global outrage trails Saturday’s arrest of union leaders by the Beninese police, trade unions in Africa led by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) have
called for their immediate release.
Trade Union leaders across the globe have expressed shock over the arrest of at least three union leaders by the Beninese government. The arrest has been described as an attempt to muzzle democracy and an attack on the fundamental rights of citizens, in particular, the right to freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration.
Nigerian Pilot reports that trade union leaders, including ITUC-Africa deputy General Secretary, Anselme Amoussou were arrested on Saturday while leading a protest in Cotonou, over the high cost of living and the economic difficulties encountered by workers in the private and public sectors. The protesters also denounced the slow implementation of the new social protection system (ARCH) and the waves of unfair dismissals in the country for economic reasons.
ITUC-Africa general secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie in a letter addressed to President Mr.Patrice Guillaume
Athanase Talon of Benin Republic, described the arrest as an attack on democracy.
The ITUC-Africa represents 17 million workers and 107 affiliated trade union centres in 52 African countries, including the Republic of Benin.
Other arrested trade union leaders include comrade Bachabi Moudassirou, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Workers of Benin (CGTB Benin) and comrade Noél Chadaré, Secretary General of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Benin (COSI Benin).
“Their detention at the Cotonou police station raises serious concerns about respect for trade union freedoms and fundamental rights in Benin,” Odigie said.
The ITUC-Africa general secretary reminded president Talon that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Beninese Constitution and international conventions ratified by Benin.
He noted that the detention of these union leaders constitutes a flagrant violation of these basic rights.
He said, “workers were legitimately expressing their discontent. And in such a situation, the government should call all stakeholders for dialogue. The refusal to authorise a peaceful march effectively constitutes a muzzling of democracy and an attack on the fundamental rights of citizens, in particular, the right to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.
“We hold it as sacred that under a democratic society, citizens are free to associate, express themselves freely, and use legitimate and peaceful means such as protests to make their demands and defend, protect and promote their rights and interests. These rights must not be shackled and locked down through intimidation, harassment, arrests and reprisal actions, especially by political mandate bearers charged with responding to the people’s legitimate demands.”
“The freedom to peacefully protest is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. It allows citizens to make their voices heard, participate in public debate, and hold their leaders to account. The authorities have a responsibility to protect and facilitate the exercise of this right rather than restricting it arbitrarily.
“ITUC Africa rejects and denounces the criminalisation of peaceful processes and actions to defend and protect workers’ socio-economic rights. We call on the Beninese authorities to guarantee the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested.
“We urge the government to engage in discussions with Benin’s organised labour and other relevant stakeholders to find amicable arrangements to understand and address the concerns of the workers and people of the republic.”
The ITUC-AFRICA therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of the peaceful protesters.
