Explanatory Note

As is publicly known, a general strike involving all workers has been called for December 11, the second day of the International Congress African Independences: Processes, Imaginaries, Connections. This situation will inevitably cause disruptions to the Congress proceedings on that day, particularly regarding participants’ travel to the School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon, and potentially also in the functioning of the sessions themselves. In light of this, the Organizing Committee examined several scenarios that would ensure the smooth continuation of the Congress while fully respecting the constitutional right of all workers—including the members of the Organizing Committee—to exercise their right to strike, and without violating the obligations and constraints to which the History Center of the University of Lisbon is bound by the Foundation for Science and Technology, which exceed the Organizing Committee's decision-making authority.

After carefully weighing these competing considerations, the Organizing Committee has decided to maintain December 11 as an active day of Congress sessions, albeit with a revised schedule and program. At the same time, anticipating the difficulties that may arise from the impact of the general strike on Lisbon’s transportation network, the Committee has arranged for conditions that will allow for the rescheduling and presentation of communications on December 12.

The Organizing Committee regrets the inconvenience caused and appeals to the understanding of all participants, especially the authors of the presentations.

As professors, researchers, and doctoral fellows, the members of the Organizing Committee acknowledge the reasons behind the call for the general strike and express their solidarity with all workers.

24 November 2025
The Organizing Committee