People reject IMF and World Bank policies in a tribunal

By Monica MUEMA

AFRODAD, the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), the Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI), the International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), the Stop the Bleeding Campaign and other partners have organised the Africa International People’s Tribunal; a people-led initiative to publicly indict the IMF and World Bank for policies that have entrenched Africa’s debt crisis, undermined public services, and driven inequality.

Through decades of structural adjustment programs, austerity-driven loan conditionalities, and policy influence over national budgets, these institutions have promoted debt-dependent development models that prioritise creditor repayment and macroeconomic “stability” over inclusive growth.

The Tribunal will hear testimonies on how these institutions’ austerity measures and debt-driven models harm African development, with the goal of raising awareness, advocating for debt cancellation, and pushing for reforms that prioritise people over creditors.

Why the tribunal?

Africa’s debt crisis is at a most severe level. Since the 1970s, Africa’s debt has spiraled, topping $1.8 trillion in 2024.

Under restrictive IMF and World Bank conditions, our countries have seen public debts soar, while essential services like health and education remain squeezed. Powerful global institutions continue to dictate Africa’s development, prioritising creditors over citizens and pushing solutions that worsen inequality and poverty.

The Tribunal is a powerful platform for African voices, from grassroots communities to legal experts, to share their experiences, highlight injustices, and demand transformative change. We will:

Expose the legal and human costs of Africa’s debt crisis.

Spotlight cases of illegitimate debt and demand unconditional cancellation.

Call for new, fair rules that put African interests and people first.

Mobilise communities across the continent in the quest for economic and social rights.