Eastern DRC: ITUC condemns violence and calls for immediate ceasefire and protection of workers

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) strongly condemns the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in and around Goma, where conflict has caused immense suffering among civilians and workers.

Credit: JOSPIN MWISHA AFP

According to the United Nations:

  • At least 700,000 people are internally displaced, while armed groups continue looting, extortion and sexual violence.
  • Food supplies are critically low, while electricity and water outages exacerbate the crisis and blocked transport routes have left thousands stranded.
  • Hospitals are overwhelmed, struggling to treat over 2,000 injuries since January, amid severe shortages of medical supplies, fuel and staff, and the risk of cholera, measles and mpox outbreaks is due to unsafe conditions.

"The ITUC demands an immediate resumption of the ceasefire and the protection of all civilians, particularly workers and their families who are already facing dire conditions. We must have peace, because without it there can be no social justice, no jobs, no rights." ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle

"The ITUC demands the cessation of support from wherever it comes for the multitude of armed groups and, to allow for a resumption of dialogue, the Rwandan troops should withdraw from the territory of the DRC in compliance with international laws.

“This violence has disproportionately affected women and children, forcing many to flee or face exploitation. Safe humanitarian access must be ensured, and international law upheld.

“The suffering in eastern DRC is intolerable, and the international community cannot stand by as lives are lost, families torn apart, and workers’ rights violated. An immediate end to hostilities is essential. There is no military solution to the conflict.

“We call on all sides in this conflict to resume dialogue through existing channels, such as the Luanda Process, to work for a lasting political solution to this recurring situation.

“The global union movement is in solidarity with the affected workers and communities, and we are totally committed to peace, justice and workers’ rights in the DRC and beyond."

Trade unions hit hard

The conflict has severely impacted the labour movement, with widespread job losses, workplace destruction and alarming reports of child recruitment into armed groups. Trade unions and workers must be protected and included in peace negotiations and post-conflict recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, the exploitation of the DRC’s vast mineral resources continues to fuel conflict. Stricter global supply chain regulations are urgently needed to prevent multinational corporations from profiting from conflict minerals at the expense of Congolese workers and communities.

The United Nations must strengthen the mandate of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo) to ensure civilian protection and address ongoing abuses, and the international community must hold human rights violators accountable and intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.