We Participated in the General Assemblies of the Senegal and Ivory Coast Confederations

During the programs held on September 26-27, 2024, Hacı Bayram Tonbul, one of the Vice Presidents of Memur-Sen, attended the 4th Ordinary Congress of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Senegal (CSA), and Hamza Öksüz also attended the 7th Ordinary Congress of the General Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Ivory Coast (FESACİ-CG).

Speaking at the 4th Ordinary Congress of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Senegal (CSA), which he attended as an invited guest, Tonbul wished the congress to bring good outcomes and said, “I thank CSA General Secretary Elimane Diouf and his team for inviting and hosting us. As two fraternal confederations beyond borders, we are evaluating opportunities for bilateral cooperation. We are developing consultations and dialogues to address the common issues of workers. In this respect, we benefit from the experiences of CSA, and you also follow and benefit from our experiences. Because we know that, no matter where you are in the world, the problems of labor and workers are similar. Inflation, unemployment, low wages, poor working conditions, tax injustices, and issues of fair distribution are among the top problems facing workers worldwide. From this perspective, we see ourselves in a position of responsibility. I would like to emphasize once again the importance of advancing our solidarity and expanding consultations. I appreciate the contributions of each of my brothers and sisters here for the advancement of the labor movement.” 

Tonbul: We Stand Against Oppressors, by the Side of the Oppressed 

Highlighting that Memur-Sen has developed a responsible union approach, Tonbul said, “Dear colleagues, as you know, the world is going through a difficult period, and as unionists, we must raise our voices and fight against all forms of oppression. As Memur-Sen, we have always adopted the principle of standing against oppressors and siding with the oppressed. I know that you are also fighting for the same goals. Unfortunately, today in Gaza, crimes against humanity are being committed. Murderous Israel is not only relentless but also trying to spread war and conflict throughout the entire Middle East. Over 40,000 innocent people have been brutally killed in this process. It seems that men will not be able to stop this massacre, but I believe that women, who share the emotions of mothers who have lost their children, will put an end to this oppression.” 

Tonbul also met with Turkey’s Ambassador of Dakar, Nur Sağman, and TİKA Senegal Coordinator Fuat Canan to receive information about Turkey’s mission in Senegal. 

Öksüz: Workers Around the World Face Similar Issues 

Hamza Öksüz, who attended the 7th Ordinary General Assembly of the General Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Ivory Coast (FESACÍ-CG), wished the congress to bring good outcomes in his speech, stating, “We believe that labor is universal, and solidarity must also be universal. No matter where workers are in the world, we see ourselves in a position of responsibility. To fight for a strong and just world, to increase the value of labor and the reward for hard work, and to create a work environment worthy of human dignity, we must strengthen our solidarity and take advantage of cooperation opportunities. Although the problems of workers around the world vary from region to region, they are very similar. Inflation, unemployment, low wages, poor working conditions, tax injustices, and the unfair distribution of income are our main issues.” 

“Human Dignity Is Being Destroyed in Gaza”

In the continuation of his speech, Öksüz reminded the audience that the genocide perpetrated by Murderous Israel in Gaza is approaching its first anniversary and noted that Israel is dragging the entire region into a bloody war, saying, “We all see and know what’s happening in Gaza. Over 40,000 of our brothers, sisters, children, and mothers have died under the bombs. Hospitals, ambulances, schools, mosques, markets, and aid lines are being bombed. Hunger, poverty, phosphorus bombs, torture... Everything inhumane is happening in Gaza. 300,000 homes have been destroyed, and 80% of the housing has been wiped out! There is no water, no bread, no medicine, no hospital, no safe place. Human dignity is being destroyed in Gaza. International law is being blatantly ignored. Today, I want to emphasize more than ever the importance of unity and solidarity. Only by coming together can we defend our rights, ensure justice, and fight for a better future. I believe that the labor movement in Ivory Coast will grow stronger with the decisions taken at this congress and make a positive contribution to the future of the country.” 

As part of his engagements in the country, Öksüz also visited the headquarters of Ivory Coast’s largest confederation, UGTCI, where he held a meeting with the general presidents and administrators of the confederation and its affiliated unions to discuss opportunities for bilateral cooperation. 

As a result of the elections held at the congresses, Elimane Diouf was re-elected as General Secretary of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Senegal (CSA), while Kouamé Kra Félix became the new General Secretary of the General Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Ivory Coast (FESACÍ-CG). The Memur-Sen delegations congratulated the winners and wished them success.