*caution that continued violence will deepen sufferings of innocent civilians
*Demand end to exploitation of DR Congo’s natural resources
By Michael Oche
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as violence escalates in the Goma region of the country.
The regional workers organisation representing 18 million African workers, has also condemned the ongoing exploitation of the country’s vast natural resources, which it says is fueling the conflict and deepening economic injustice.
In a statement issued from its Lomè office by General Secretary Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa decried the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Goma, where M23 rebels have seized control, leaving a trail of destruction.
With over a million people displaced, hundreds of civilians and peacekeepers killed, and critical infrastructure including markets, hospitals, and schools reduced to rubble, the crisis is worsening poverty and instability in the region.
Also, with the potential for broader regional conflict looming, ITUC-Africa has urged the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intensify diplomatic efforts and deploy additional peacekeeping forces to safeguard civilians.
The organisation warned that the violence has disproportionately impacted workers, particularly women and youth, who are losing their livelihoods amid the chaos.
“The people of Goma, already burdened by poverty and economic instability, are now faced with the grim reality of joblessness, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare. Women, who form a significant portion of the informal economy, have lost their means of livelihood and survival. At the same time, children and young workers are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups,” the statement by Odigie noted.
The general secretary therefore called on all actors involved in the crisis—both directly and indirectly—to take immediate and genuine action to halt the suffering of the Congolese people and restore peace.
Specifically, ITUC-Africa demanded that the Congolese government takes urgent steps to protect civilians, restore order, and engage in an inclusive national dialogue to address governance failures.
The organisation insists that workers and employer organisations must be central to rebuilding the nation, ensuring that economic justice is prioritized over war profiteering.
Odigie also issued a strong call to the M23 rebels, urging them to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from Goma, and allow humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to affected communities.
He warned that continued violence will only deepen the suffering of innocent civilians and destabilize the region further.
Beyond the armed conflict, ITUC-Africa also sounded the alarm on the economic interests driving instability in the DRC.
The statement condemns the plundering of the country’s rich mineral resources, essential for global industries, from which foreign actors continue to profit while Congolese workers endure hardship.
The workers organisation called out Rwanda over its alleged support for M23, demanding that Kigali ends all military assistance to the rebels and instead pursue diplomatic engagement.
Similarly, ITUC-Africa has urged global powers, including the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and France, to end exploitative economic practices that enable the illicit trade of conflict minerals.
It insists that multinational corporations must ensure strict supply chain transparency to prevent DRC’s resources from funding war and oppression.
The statement read further, “This conflict is not just about territorial control; it is deeply tied to the exploitation of the DRC’s vast mineral wealth, which should benefit the people of Congo rather than fuel war and suffering. ITUC-Africa demands a global response that prioritises the well-being of the DRC’s people, workers, families, and communities over corporate and political interests.
“We commiserate with the families that have lost loved ones in this violent conflict resurgence in the DRC, including families of peacekeepers from different nations. We will continue to cherish and appreciate their supreme sacrifices and memories.
“African workers stand in solidarity with the people of Goma, the families, all workers and communities affected by this senseless but avoidable violence. It is time to end war and rein in impunity by demanding and ensuring accountability. We restate our commitment to advocating for and contributing to restoring lasting peace, dignity, and economic justice for all Congolese people, families and workers.”
