This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed concern over the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling on African trade unions to collaborate with governments to protect workers.
Speaking during the 42nd OATUU General Assembly meeting in Nairobi, Raila noted that it was disturbing to see Africans turning against each other, resulting from frustrations with the inadequacies of their economies.
He reminded the delegates of the Thorn Tree Hotel in Nairobi, where exiled South Africans used to meet during the apartheid days, and expressed dismay that people who were liberated from apartheid by combined efforts of Africans are now turning against fellow Africans.
Raila called on the Organisation of Africa Trade Union Unity to work together with different states in coming up with standardized rules to help avoid such situations in the continent.
He suggested that the standardized rules should focus on areas around the issuance of work permits, treatment of immigrant workers, and the modernisation of border points.
“Standardised rules governing the movement of workers will make it easier for skilled workers to work anywhere in the continent,” he said.
Kenyan businesses were among those affected in the widespread looting and protests linked to xenophobia in South Africa earlier this month, confirmed Jean Kamau, the High Commissioner to South Africa.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also addressed the conference, urging African labour unions to promote free movement of labour, goods, and capital across Africa.
“It is very sad and disheartening to see our sons and daughters lose lives while crossing the Mediterranean and get humiliated in foreign lands because Africans cannot come together and create opportunities for the future,” said Uhuru.
