The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has vowed to defend and advance workers’ rights even as a new team takes the leadership of the organization.
The new leadership, elected during the organization’s Fifth Quadrennial Congress in Mogadishu on Friday also vowed to champion for social justice and a democratic transition.
In the congress, Omar Faruk Osman was overwhelmingly elected Secretary General of the Federation of Somali Trade Union (FESTU).
Speaking after his victory, youthful and fiery Osman said he fully understand the role and the challenges that await him in the new role and that he is ready to face them head on.
“I’m excited,” he said.
“The challenge is there and well spelt out. But I am up for it. Workers form the cornerstone of every economy which is why we have to ensure that they are well taken care of. That is my main target.”
Also elected to serve in the union for a period of four years is Ahmed Osman Said as president, Nasra Haji Amhed and Maslah Abukar as first and second deputy presidents.
Others are Hussein Madey Mohammed who will serve as deputy Secretary General and Ubah Ahmed Haji as National Treasurer, while Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed took on the role of National organising secretary.
The election was conducted during FESTU’s Fifth Quadrennial Congress marking a historic milestone for the Somali labour movement.
The Congress brought together 328 delegates including 243 from the regions representing the five Federal Member States and 85 from Mogadishu.
It was held under the theme “Empowering Workers' Voice for Justice, Democracy and Inclusive Development.”
FESTU represents 12 union affiliates, which collectively represent 179,460 workers from across Somalia.
Deputy Prime Minister Abdisalan Abdi Ali, alongside Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Yusuf Mohamed Adan and his Justice and Constitutional Affairs counterpart Hassan Moallim Mohamud were in attendance.
The Deputy Prime Minister assured the delegates of the government’s commitment towards protecting Somali workers’ rights and strengthening social dialogue, legal protections and the realisation of the Decent Work Agenda as ut most priorities of the country.
The diplomatic corps including British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi and a senior representative from the US Embassy were also present.
Their presence marked the strong support from the international community.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was also represented at the highest level through ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, who addressed the congress and hailed FESTU’s unwavering defence of workers’ rights, particularly its leadership in promoting social dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts.
He highlighted the union’s success in embedding just transition principles into national law, setting a global precedent and proudly announced that FESTU had officially joined the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
The Congress provided a platform for intense debates on the most pressing issues facing Somali workers, focusing on strengthening labour rights, advancing the social justice agenda, promoting decent work, institutionalizing social dialogue as a fundamental pillar for national inclusive development and realizing a just transition in Somalia’s climate action.
