About 60 African trade unions denounce the verdict against Ali Mammeri

🗓️ Published on: 14/11/2025

In a clear show of solidarity across the African trade union landscape, the PSI Regional Conference for Africa and the Arab States(AFRECON)held in Accra, Ghana from 11 to 14 November 2025, adopted an emergency resolution—unanimously—expressing support for Algerian trade unionist Ali Mammeri and calling for an end to the serious violations of trade union rights in Algeria.

Nearly 60 trade unions from roughly 45 African and Arab countries backed the resolution without a single objection — a rare and unified stance that reflects deep international concern over the Algerian court ruling of 29 October 2025, which sentenced Mammeri to 15 years in prison on charges of “glorifying terrorism” and “spreading false information.” Participating unions described these accusations as unfounded, politically motivated, and inconsistent with international standards, especially given Mammeri’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful and legitimate trade union activist in the public services sector.

Widespread Condemnation and Strong Rejection of the Court’s Verdict

Arab and African unions took the floor one after another, stressing the gravity of a verdict that strikes at the heart of trade union freedom — a right guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the ILO’s core Conventions, particularly Conventions 87 and 98, and the global standards for the protection of human rights defenders.

Speakers also underlined that Ali Mammeri’s trial was marred by serious procedural flaws, noting that the investigations and court proceedings unfolded alongside prior threats from influential actors in response to his peaceful trade union work — all within a broader, escalating campaign targeting independent unions in Algeria throughout 2024 and 2025.

Warning Against the Misuse of Anti-Terrorism Legislation

The adopted resolution expresses deep alarm over the Algerian authorities’ use of anti-terrorism legislation to criminalize legitimate trade union activity — a practice already condemned by the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association,UN special mandate holders on freedom of assembly and association, as well as several regional and international human rights organizations.

The unions stressed that using the justice system to intimidate workers and deter them from unionizing sets a dangerous precedent — one that undermines social stability and seriously damages the country’s international standing.

Urgent Call for the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Ali Mammeri

The resolution called on the Algerian authorities to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release Ali Mammeri.
2. Drop all charges related to his peaceful trade union activities.
3. Stop using anti-terrorism legislation against workers and union activists.
4. Ensure fair and impartial judicial proceedings in line with international standards.
5. Respect Algeria’s obligations under ILO Conventions.
6. Guarantee legal protection for union members facing pressure or threats.

An Unprecedented Wave of Trade Union Mobilization

What was striking during the general session was the high level of solidarity; several unions spoke and emphasized that  ““The case of Ali Mammeri is not an individual case, but a matter of trade union freedom across the continent.”.”

Participants further emphasized that any future targeting of trade unionists in Algeria will be met with a broad international campaign led by PSI and other global trade union structures.

COSYFOP Welcomes the Resolution and Calls for International Follow-Up

The Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) welcomed the resolution, describing it as a clear message to the Algerian authorities: the international trade union community is closely monitoring the situation, any violation of trade union freedoms will be met with a firm response, and above all, Ali Mammeri will not be left to face this ordeal alone.

COSYFOP also announced that the resolution will be formally transmitted to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Special Procedures, and the relevant African human rights bodies, as part of a broader international process aimed at protecting persecuted trade unionists in Algeria.

A Pivotal Step in the Struggle for Trade Union Freedom

The AFRECON 2025 resolution stands as the strongest African position to date on the case of Ali Mammeri, reflecting a clear shift within the continent’s trade union movement, which is no longer willing to tolerate the use of the judiciary to silence union activists.

This rising international momentum is paving the way for a new phase of regional and global pressure on the Algerian authorities to secure Ali Mammeri’s release and uphold their international commitments.

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