30 Apr INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY – A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
“Guarding the Guardians: Advancing Psychosocial Well-Being for Peace and Security Workers in Africa”
As the world commemorates International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2026, the African Peace Support Trainers Association (APSTA) joins the global community in honoring the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of workers across all sectors. For us, this day carries a deeper significance. It is a moment not only to celebrate labor, but to reflect on the unique burdens borne by those who stand at the frontlines of peace and security across Africa. Peace support operations are, by their very nature, demanding and complex. From conflict zones to post-crisis recovery environments, the men and women engaged in these efforts operate under immense physical, emotional, and psychological strain. As a specialized Secretariat committed to strengthening capacity for peace support operations, APSTA recognizes that the effectiveness of our collective mission depends not only on technical competence, but also on the well-being of the people who carry it forward.
This year’s theme, “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment,” speaks directly to this reality. It calls on institutions, governments, and stakeholders to prioritize the human dimension of security work, an aspect too often overlooked in the pursuit of operational outcomes. At the heart of this theme lies the issue of mental health. Peace and security workers are routinely exposed to trauma, high-risk environments, and prolonged stress. Without adequate support systems, these experiences can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and long-term psychological harm. Addressing mental health is no longer optional; it is an operational necessity. Institutions must move beyond silence and stigma, creating safe spaces where personnel can seek help without fear of judgment or professional repercussions. Another cornerstone of this year’s theme is social dialogue and decent work. A healthy working environment is built on trust, inclusion, and open communication. Workers must have platforms to voice concerns, share experiences, and contribute to decision-making processes that affect their welfare. Equally important are workplace policies that institutionalize psychosocial support. Policies must go beyond rhetoric to establish clear guidelines on mental health care, harassment prevention, workload management, and employee support services. Leadership at all levels must champion these policies, ensuring they are implemented effectively and consistently.
On this International Workers’ Day, APSTA calls on all stakeholders, governments, regional bodies, training institutions, and development partners to renew their commitment to creating healthier psychosocial working environments. Let us move from acknowledgment to action, from policy to practice, and from intention to impact. To the peacekeepers, trainers, security personnel, and all those who labor tirelessly for stability across Africa: your work does not go unnoticed. Your sacrifices form the backbone of our collective security. Today, we honor you, not only by words, but by a renewed pledge to safeguard your well-being. Because in protecting those who protect peace, we secure the future of our continent.
Dr. Cecile Oyono
Executive Secretary-APSTA
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