Mogadishu (HOL) — The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) concluded its Fifth Quadrennial Congress in Mogadishu last week, marking a defining moment for the country’s labour movement. The two-day event, themed “Empowering Workers’ Voice for Justice, gathered 328 delegates, including representatives from Somalia’s five Federal Member States and Mogadishu.

Omar Faruk Osman was overwhelmingly re-elected as FESTU’s Secretary-General. In his victory speech, Osman pledged to prioritize labour rights and improve working conditions across Somalia.

“The challenge is immense, but we are prepared to fight for workers’ rights,” he said. “Workers are the backbone of any economy, and ensuring their well-being is our main goal.”

Ahmed Osman Said was elected as President, alongside Nasra Haji Ahmed as First Deputy President and Maslah Abukar as Second Deputy President. Hussein Madey Mohamed will serve as Deputy Secretary-General, while Ubah Ahmed Haji was elected as National Treasurer. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed took on the role of National Organizing Secretary.

The congress was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Abdisalan Abdi Ali, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Yusuf Mohamed Adan, and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moallim Mohamud, who reaffirmed the Somali government’s commitment to labour rights and social protection.

Diplomatic representatives, including British Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis, Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, and a senior official from the U.S. Embassy, also participated, signalling strong global support for FESTU’s initiatives.

ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo praised FESTU’s achievements in labour rights advocacy and announced its induction into the Global Coalition for Social Justice, a significant milestone for the Somali labour movement.

Other international labour leaders, including Joel Odigie of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) and Eric Manzi of ITUC, praised FESTU’s tireless advocacy. Kassahun Follo, General Secretary of the Horn of Africa Confederation of Trade Unions (HACTU), emphasized the union’s role in regional labour struggles, pledging continued solidarity.

Delegates at the Fifth Quadrennial Congress of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) in Mogadishu watch a virtual address from an international labor leader, underscoring global solidarity in advancing workers’ rights and social justice. CREDIT / FESTU

Key Resolutions and Policy Commitments

The congress debated and passed a series of resolutions aimed at enhancing workers’ rights:

• Labour Law Enforcement: Strengthening implementation of new labour policies and ensuring legal protections for workers.
• Union Expansion: Increasing union membership density to 40% over the next four years.
• Democratic Transition: Advocating for an open and transparent electoral process free from corruption and political manipulation.
• Social Dialogue: Institutionalizing mechanisms for labour negotiations at both federal and state levels.
• Migrant Workers‘ Rights: Defending the dignity and safety of Somali migrant workers abroad.
• Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Intensifying efforts to eliminate harassment and discrimination against women in the workforce.
• Climate Justice: Pushing for a just transition that ensures workers’ rights are protected in Somalia’s climate adaptation policies.