By Own Correspondent

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has thrown its weight behind the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), in its “principled rejection of attempts to mutilate Zimbabwe’s national constitution for the purpose of extending presidential tenure.”

In a statement by General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa, representing over 18 million workers across the continent warned against the looming constitutional subversion and called on Africans to stand firm in defence of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

“Across the continent, African workers have consistently upheld that democracy and constitutionalism form the bedrock of peace, justice, and shared prosperity. Just as we reject military interventions in civil governance, we equally denounce ‘civilian coups’—when leaders seek to subvert or overthrow their country’s constitutions to prolong their stay in power,” said Odigie.

The statement, which comes amid growing concern over attempts by certain leaders to manipulate constitutions for political longevity, also condemned efforts to silence opposition voices, rig elections, or stage sham electoral processes 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…We must call out and condemn those who have chosen the opposite path: those who dismantle constitutional order and weaken democratic institutions for the sake of political survival…Such actions corrode governance, polarize societies, and expose nations to instability, insecurity, and economic regression,” the statement read.

A clique of the ruling ZANU PF party in Zimbabwe seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028, a move which is being resisted by progressive forces in the civic society, the opposition and some elements within the ruling party itself.

Commending African leaders who have upheld constitutional term limits, Odigie described them as “true statespersons, guardians of constitutional democracy worthy of respect and reference by future generations.”

He urged African citizens, civil society, and the labour movement to remain vigilant in defending their constitutions.

“Societies that work are those governed by the rule of law, not the law of force. When constitutions are trampled, democracy dies, and with it, the hopes of workers for decent work, social justice, and equitable development,” he said.

The ITUC-Africa called on African Union member states, regional economic communities, and the international community to “reaffirm the sanctity of constitutional rule and democratic responsive accountable governance as indispensable pillars of Africa’s transformation agenda.”