The Secretary General of the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), Eng. Andre Mutsindashyaka, participated in the Executive Council Meeting of the African Federation of Miners and Minerals Wealth (AFMMW), currently held in Zambia. REWU is a proud member of this important continental union representing mining workers from Africa’s resource-rich countries including Rwanda.
The meeting focused on advancing the professionalism of mining across Africa and wealth of Africans. Participants discussed how the continent should not remain in poverty or rely on external aid, as Africans are the owners of the world’s mineral wealth. The prevailing message was that Africans must strive to participate actively in finding solutions to their development challenges without waiting for outsiders to step in.
A key theme emphasized during the discussions was the need for trade unions to work closely with both investors and governments. Such collaboration is vital to ensuring the welfare, rights, increasing the production of the companies and sustainable development of miners across Africa.
Among the distinguished guests at the event was the Zambia Government Representative Commissioner in the Ministry of Labor and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines as well as President & General Secretary of Zambian Trade Union Confederation. They expressed their satisfaction that Zambia was hosting this significant gathering and reaffirmed their government’s support for efforts by African trade unions to ensure that the continent’s natural resources benefit the African people, rather than creating insecurity.
In his speech, Eng. Mutsindashyaka began by expressing gratitude for the existence of AFMMW and reaffirmed Rwanda’s mineworkers Trade Union (REWU) commitment as a member of the federation. He highlighted Rwanda’s progress in the mining sector, noting that it is developing rapidly and becoming more professionalized. As Rwanda positions itself as a regional mining hub, the trade union remains fully dedicated to promoting decent work, protecting workers’ rights through social dialogue and increasing the productivity.
He further emphasized REWU’s partnership with the government and private sector with other development partners in transforming the sector—from informal to formal employment—fostering social dialogue, green jobs, and the recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification for mineworkers. Upgrading skills and ensuring occupational safety & health remain central to Rwanda’s mining Trade union (REWU) development agenda.
Concluding his remarks, Eng. Mutsindashyaka called on AFMMW members to strengthen unity and solidarity. He urged the continent’s mining unions to find solutions for their challenges collectively, by engaging directly with governments and employers, rather than waiting for external solutions. He stressed that Africa must take ownership of its resources and ensure that they serve its people.
This engagement underscores Rwanda’s firm commitment to continental cooperation, sustainable mining development, and the empowerment of African miners.
Leave a Reply