International Revolutionary Conference, IFA '97

It is with this in mind that the libertarian socialist/ anarchist movement has always fought to unite militants and struggles across borders. Over the last year, there have been two important international meetings.

In December 1996, the International Workers Association held its twentieth congress in Madrid, Spain. 300 delegates and observers from at least 60 organisations attended. The IWA has sections in nearly 20 countries, including Nigeria, Russia and Chile.

IFA CONGRESS

In October 1997, the International Anarchist Federations (IFA) held its sixth Congress in Lyon, France. The IFA was founded in 1968 to promote unity in the libertarian socialist/anarchist movement. By 1997, IFA had member sections covering Argentine, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain.

The 1997 Congress was also open to delegates from other organisations. Comrades came from Britain, Ukraine, Belorussia, Holland, Russia, Czechoslovakia, "French" Guyane, Columbia, Croatia and South Africa. Turkish comrades were unable to attend due to visa problems. Greetings were sent from Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, Peru, Brazil, Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Ireland, amongst other countries.

INTERNATIONALISM

As the opening address noted, capitalism rules the world today, and is at the heart of the injustice faced by working people. The working class remains the key force for progressive social change, and must be united internationally against the bosses. Now, with the collapse of Marxism, libertarian socialism/anarchism must reclaim its place in the workers movement

BOSSES AND RULERS

Delegate after delegate painted a grim picture of the capitalist onslaught.

In Bulgaria, 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. In Germany, 8 million are unemployed and real wages have fallen 10% over the last ten years. In Belorussia, the average wage is R350 a month. In South Africa, as we all know, 5% of the population owns 80% of the economy, whilst nearly two-thirds live in poverty.

RACISM AND REPRESSION

In "French" Guyane in Latin America, the working class -largely descended from Black slaves- faces not only extreme exploitation, but also ruthless repression in the form of continuing French colonialism.

As the delegate of the Guyanese group, No Pasaran, noted, the armed forces have shown themselves quite willing to attack demonstrators with live ammunition.

In Belorussia, troops have been sent to break strikes. In Ukraine, comrades face constant harassment. In Germany, the police have banned some left groups, and harassed activist.

Accompanying the drive to undermine workers conditions have been systematic attempts by bosses to divide workers, and to divert workers angers onto immigrants and minorities. Nazi groups have played a key role in attacking immigrants and left-wingers. In France, Nazis have burned down an anarchist bookstore, and sued the Francophone Anarchist Federation for "defamation".

THE MOVEMENT

At the same time, however, it is clear that the libertarian socialist/anarchist movement has great potential. New organisations have been established throughout Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, whilst elsewhere older groups have developed impressive capacity.

The Francophone Anarchist Federation has more than 75 sections, a weekly newspaper, several bookshops and a radio station. It can mobilise thousands in marches. The FAI of Italy has a daily newspaper. In Italy, too, left union currents have been able to mobilise up to 50,000 people.

THE FUTURE

It is quite clear that we face a double challenge. Firstly, to help resist the international bosses's assault on worker and human rights. Secondly, to build a libertarian socialist/anarchist movement with a mass base in the working classes.

The IFA , as delegates noted, can play a key role in this process of rebuilding the strength and international unity of anarchism/ libertarian socialism. Some concrete steps in this direction are the IFA's work in supporting the comrades in the East, the affiliation of new IFA sections (for example, the Czech Republic), and plans for an international day of action in 1998.

Concrete support to new organisations is vital, as are steps to overcome sectarian divisions and improve communications between comrades. The twenty-first century is upon us- lets make it ours!

(MAIN) (PUBLICATIONS) (AFRICA) (ARTICLES) (LINKS)

Email us at wsf_sa@oocities.com

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page

Go to the CapitolHill GeoPage