The 6th ordinary confederal congress of the Democratic Confederation of Nigerien Workers (CDTN) concluded on September 22, 2026, in Niamey, with the election of a new national executive bureau. The congress, which took place from September 20-22, 2026, under the theme of "liberty and trade union rights, representativeness of trade union organizations, and collective negotiations in the context of general mobilization in Niger," saw Mr. Ibro Kane elected as the new Secretary-General of the CDTN. Mr. Kane previously served as the first Deputy Secretary-General of the former bureau.
The congress brought together various stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting workers in Niger, including social dialogue, peace, and social cohesion. Panel discussions focused on topics such as social security for contract workers, responses to migration, and strategies for sustainable development. The congress also examined the potentialities and opportunities, challenges, and constraints of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for workers, as well as entrepreneurship and women's empowerment.
The congress adopted several resolutions and recommendations aimed at the government and partners. These recommendations focus on negotiations with the government, allocation of land parcels to workers, peace, security, and social issues. Regarding negotiations with the government, the congress urged the CDTN's confederal bureau to work towards agreements on workers' concerns that had already been committed to. The congress also called for the promotion of endogenous economic and social development, social justice, and equitable distribution of national resources.
The congress emphasized the need for transparency in public goods management, anti-corruption efforts, and social inequality reduction. The new leadership of the CDTN is expected to prioritize dialogue and constructive compromise in its dealings with the government and other stakeholders. The congress also requested discussions on the 2026 grievances book and urged the government to honor its commitments regarding the allocation of 15,000 land parcels to workers in Niamey.
In his closing remarks, Moussa Saidou Marayé, Director-General of Labor and Employment, highlighted the significance of the trade union movement as a partner in Niger's national refoundation dynamic. He encouraged the new CDTN leadership to prioritize dialogue and constructive compromise. The congress's outcomes are expected to shape the future of labor relations and social policies in Niger.
The CDTN's new Secretary-General, Mr. Ibro Kane, will lead the confederation's efforts to address workers' concerns and promote social justice. The congress's resolutions and recommendations will serve as a roadmap for the CDTN's activities in the coming period. The event demonstrated the importance of social dialogue and collective action in promoting workers' rights and sustainable development in Niger.
The 6th CDTN Congress has set the stage for renewed efforts to address the challenges facing workers in Niger. Key priorities include promoting social justice, transparency, and accountability, as well as advocating for workers' rights and interests. The CDTN's new leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of labor relations and social policies in Niger.
Key points
- The 6th CDTN Congress elects Mr. Ibro Kane as the new Secretary-General, adopts resolutions on labor rights and social issues, and calls for dialogue and constructive compromise with the government.
