The Organization of African Trade Union Unity ( OATUU) has witnessed with great satisfaction the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Eritrea and the implementation of the Algiers Agreement signed in 2000 after 20 years of total breakdown. OATUU considers this as an historical event and a great step towards peace.

Indeed, through the good will expressed by the leaders of the two states who met on July 8 in Asmara, Eritrea, a new era of cooperation and good neighborhood has just opened with a positive impact on the whole region of the Horn of Africa.

This news is received with great joy by African peoples and workers concerned about the peaceful future of their continent. Peace, security and stability provide a foundation for the future of the millions of Africans who suffer from conflict, poverty and other phenomena that affect their daily lives.

At the crowning of  its 11th Congress, held from 2 to 4 March 2017 in Bamako Mali, OATUU adopted a special resolution concerning the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea since 1998, urging them to give priority to dialogue and consultation; to respect the agreement they signed in 2000 in Algiers.

The Organization of Trade Union Unity hails the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Eritrea and hopes that this example will be generalized throughout the African continent.  Africa needs peace and serenity to build itself and overcome underdevelopment. This need is also retained as one of the aspirations of the African Union’s 2063 Development Agenda.

On behalf of the OATUU Executive Committee, its General Council and its affiliated members, I congratulate the leaders, people and workers of both countries and express our solidarity for the success and consolidation of this peace and cooperation process.