African workers, under the umbrella of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), have declared unwavering solidarity with Congolese workers following the deadly mine collapse at Rubaya in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organisation declared that it “stands in unwavering solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific disaster”, while also standing “with the mining communities of Rubaya, who are forced to live and work in conditions of extreme danger”. According to the statement, the tragedy highlights the daily reality faced by workers in the extractive sector across the continent. It stressed the need for “the urgent enforcement of safety standards and regular inspections at all mining sites,” and called for “a complete end to armed group control of mining operations”. ITUC-Africa also reaffirmed labour rights as central to preventing future disasters, demanding “full recognition and protection of miners’ rights to organise and bargain collectively”, as well as “fair wages and decent working conditions for all miners”.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 10, 2026 01:44 UTC