Empowering CDWD Communities in Africa: Reflections from the International Conference

The International Conference on Empowering Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) in Africa convened on April 3, 2025, bringing together activists, academics, legal experts, and community representatives from across the continent. The gathering focused on the urgent need to address entrenched discrimination faced by marginalized groups across Africa—particularly those impacted by caste-like systems, descent-based slavery, and work-related social exclusion. Discussions featured insights from countries including Nigeria, Mali, and Niger, and emphasized the importance of legal recognition, grassroots mobilization, and regional cooperation.

The event opened with a welcome by Queen Bisseng, the African Coordinator for the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent. She introduced the conference's objectives: to facilitate knowledge sharing, assess challenges, and build connections among CDWD communities. A brief three-minute video offered powerful context, revealing that more than 270 million people globally endure discrimination based on notions of purity and pollution, manifesting in practices such as casteism and hereditary slavery.

Regional Realities and Resistance

In her keynote address, Commissioner Litha Musyimi-Ogana, Chairperson, Working Group of the ACHPR on Indigenous Populations and Minorities in Africa, emphasized the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights' commitment to protecting CDWD communities. She highlighted a recent resolution and shared lessons from the Commission's efforts—particularly the importance of bridging knowledge gaps, ensuring legal standing, and fostering a sense of ownership within affected communities. She urged African governments and leaders from political, religious, and traditional backgrounds to guarantee access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized groups.

The conference spotlighted country-specific cases, beginning with Nigeria. Dr. Nneka Sofia Amalu of University of Calabar presented her research on the “Sukas system,” a deeply entrenched form of caste-based discrimination and outlined the institutional barriers faced by these communities and offered policy recommendations for change.

The situation in Mali was examined next. Dr. Nneka Sophie described the persistence of descent-based slavery, particularly in marriage and leadership structures, despite legal prohibitions. She called for heightened advocacy and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.

Acherif AG Assalat, Programme Officer, Lawyers without Borders, Canada, further detailed the scope of the problem, emphasizing the lack of reliable data and describing efforts by Lawyers Without Borders to raise awareness and pursue strategic litigation. He praised recent legal reforms but noted continuing challenges in victim support, return of displaced persons, and the absence of a comprehensive anti-slavery law.

The focus then shifted to Niger, Ali Bouzu, President, TIMIDRIA shared an overview of CDWD discrimination, especially in employment. He addressed specific cases and highlighted the structural barriers communities face.

Building Advocacy and Next Steps

Hannah Foster, representing the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, elaborated on her organization's work with the African Commission. She described how the NGO Forum, held before each Commission session, serves as a platform for civil society to engage with regional human rights mechanisms. The Forum's regional focal points, including those in the diaspora, help coordinate advocacy efforts across borders.

The discussion also tackled the role of caste systems in African societies. Hannah Foster discussed research partnerships and the relevance of the African Commission's resolution. During the Q&A, Stella Ogucheku, founder of an organization working to end the Osu caste system in Nigeria, spoke passionately about the limitations of legislative approaches. She argued that lawmakers often belong to communities where discriminatory norms are normalized, rendering legal reforms ineffective unless accompanied by grassroots reorientation and advocacy. Professor Nneka added that divisions exist within both free-born and Osu communities, with opinions split on whether to abolish caste distinctions.

The conference concluded with discussions on next steps. Professor Alhassan Sulemana Anamzoya, Associate Professor of Sociology and Head, Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana, thanked participants and proposed organizing a future offline conference to deepen collaboration. He also proposed a call for papers to spur further academic inquiry, particularly comparative research on CDWD practices across regions and strategies for emancipation. The importance of integrating practitioners into research was underscored, ensuring a balance between theoretical frameworks and lived experiences.

Queen Bisseng closed the conference by expressing gratitude on behalf of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent and its partners. She emphasized that meaningful change requires collective action and sustained engagement, especially in bringing together policy advocates, grassroots leaders, and affected communities. The conference reaffirmed a powerful truth: while CDWD discrimination is deeply embedded, coordinated efforts—rooted in research, activism, and solidarity—can pave the way for justice and dignity.

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