Omar Faruk Osman Secures Another Term as FESTU Secretary-General, Commits to Bolstering Workers’ Rights
Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-beating heart of Somalia, a passionate fervor echoed through the grand hall last week as the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) wrapped up its Fifth Quadrennial Congress in Mogadishu. This assembly wasn’t just a meeting; it was a clarion call, a seminal gathering aimed at fortifying the nation’s labor movement for the coming years.
With a captivating theme—”Empowering Workers’ Voice for Justice”—the two-day congress attracted 328 delegates. These included fervent representatives from Somalia’s five Federal Member States as well as the bustling capital, Mogadishu. A vivid tapestry of hope and tenacity was woven as these delegates convened.
To recount an anecdote, Omar Faruk Osman, in a landslide decision, was re-elected as FESTU’s Secretary-General. During his victory speech, he reminisced fondly about the time when, as a young laborer, he realized the dramatic power of collective will. With renewed energy, Osman promised to advocate tirelessly for labor rights and uplift working conditions throughout Somalia. “Are we ready?” he quipped rhetorically, as the room burst into applause. “The challenge, ladies and gentlemen, is immense, yet we brace ourselves to champion the cause of the backbone of our economy—our workers.”
Elected to join him on this journey was a formidable lineup: Ahmed Osman Said as President, with Nasra Haji Ahmed and Maslah Abukar stepping in as First and Second Deputy Presidents, respectively. The assembly heralded the election of Hussein Madey Mohamed as Deputy Secretary-General while Ubah Ahmed Haji accepted the role of National Treasurer. Completing this team of visionaries was Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed, entrusted as the National Organizing Secretary.
The significance of this gathering was further underscored by the presence of prominent government figures. 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 attended, reiterating the Somali government’s unwavering commitment to protecting labor rights and advancing social welfare.
As international dignitaries graced the venue, a strong global endorsement for FESTU’s initiatives resonated. Among them were British Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis and his Italian counterpart Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, each voicing their countries’ support. A senior official from the U.S. Embassy was also present, weaving a tapestry of international solidarity.
In perhaps the most poignant of tributes, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo extolled FESTU’s instrumental role in labor rights advocacy, heralding its newly secured position within the Global Coalition for Social Justice. This achievement, monumental in the context of Somali labor, imbued the moment with a promise of international camaraderie.
Echoing these sentiments, international labor leaders such as Joel Odigie from ITUC-Africa and Eric Manzi from ITUC recognized FESTU’s relentless efforts. Particularly stirring was the address by Kassahun Follo, General Secretary of HACTU, emphasizing FESTU’s pivotal position in the regional labor discourse.
Truth be told, it was a conference of milestones. Delegates bore witness to an intriguing virtual address from a renowned international labor leader, underscoring the vital importance of global unity in advancing labor rights and the broader cause of social justice.
Key Resolutions and Policy Commitments
In a climate of focused deliberation, the congress adopted critical resolutions poised to shape the future of Somali workers:
- Labor Law Enforcement: Meticulous augmentation of labor policy enforcement to shield workers with ironclad legal protections.
- Union Expansion: Ambitiously aiming to swell the ranks—boosting union membership density to 40% over the coming four years.
- Democratic Transition: Fervently advocating for transparent, corruption-free elections, liberated from the shackles of political manipulation.
- Social Dialogue: Crafting institutional conduits for robust labor negotiations at both the federal and state echelons.
- Migrant Workers’ Rights: A staunch bastion for the dignity and safety of Somali migrant workers ensconced abroad.
- Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Intensified campaigns to eradicate harassment and discrimination against women across workplace hierarchies.
- Climate Justice: Unyielding in pursuit of a just transition, ensuring that Somali climate adaptation policies safeguard worker rights.
In the words of one veteran attendee, “The Congress may have ended, but the work is just beginning.” Indeed, the echoes of these resolute voices will undoubtedly continue to reverberate across the hills and valleys of Somalia, inspiring the labor movement and beyond.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
