The Regional Organisation of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has asked President of the Republic of Benin, Mr.Patrice Guillaume
Athanase Talon to release unconditionally Union leaders including her Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Anselme Amoussou arrested by the police during a protest in Benin on Saturday.
The General Secretary of the organization, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie in letter told the president that the continue detention of these Union leaders
raises serious concerns about respect for trade union freedoms and fundamental rights in Benin.
He said these union leaders were arrested while participating in a peaceful march organised by the CSA-Benin, the CGTB-Benin, the UNSTB-Benin and the COSI-Benin to protest against the high cost of living and the economic difficulties encountered by workers in the private and public sectors.
According to Comrade Joel, they also denounced the slow implementation of the new social protection system (ARCH) and the waves of unfair dismissals in the country for economic reasons.
The letter reads in parts ” We are sending you this letter on behalf of the African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa, representing 17 million declared members and 107 affiliated trade union centres in 52 African countries, including the Republic of Benin.
It is with deep concern that we learned of the arrest of the Secretary General of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Benin (CSA-Benin), comrade Anselme Amoussou, who is also the Deputy General Secretary of the ITUC-Africa, and that of comrade Bachabi Moudassirou, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Workers of Benin (CGTB-Benin) and comrade comrade Noël Chadaré, Secretary General of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Benin (COSI-Benin).
“The ITUC-Africa strongly condemns the arrest of these union leaders. The right to freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Beninese Constitution and international conventions ratified by Benin. The detention of these union leaders constitutes a flagrant violation of these basic rights.
“Workers are 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.
“As we count on your cooperation and swift action to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the peaceful protesters, we ask that you to accept, Mr. President, the assurances of our high regard”.
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