workers

Tragic Attack in Mandera: Quarry Workers Killed by Suspected Al-Shabaab Militants MANDERA, Kenya - In a deeply unsettling event, at least five quarry workers lost their lives at the hands of suspected Al-Shabaab militants in the quiet village of Bur Abor, near the Kenya-Somalia border. This harrowing attack unfolded a mere two weeks after the militants had released five local administrators, raising intense concerns about the region's security. The attack occurred at dawn, around 7 AM East African Time. Armed fighters…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — In a decisive shift in federal policy, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that mandates commercial truck drivers demonstrate proficiency in English reading and speaking. This new regulation reverses an Obama-era initiative that had softened federal enforcement standards regarding language requirements for truck drivers. As a result, immigrant drivers, particularly a significant number of Somalis contributing to North America's trucking workforce, may find themselves…

Tragedy and Tenacity: The Gaza Conflict War, with all its calamities, often leaves in its wake not just broken structures but also shattered lives. Since the fateful day of October 7, 2023, in the conflict-ridden territory of Gaza, the cost of this ongoing tragedy has amplified beyond measure. The Government Media Office in Gaza has revealed some stark and heart-rending statistics: over 1,513 humanitarian workers have met a tragic end, while an unfathomable number of…

The journey of dozens of Gambian women embarking on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia captures the essence of ambition and cooperation. But what exactly drives these brave individuals to travel abroad? At its core, this initiative symbolizes the Gambian government's aim to weave stronger ties with the Middle East's largest economy and redefine the prospects for its citizens. This development blossomed from agreements reached during the illustrious 2023 Africa-Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia. Here, Gambia and the Kingdom…

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…

Fifth Quadrennial Congress of FESTU Concludes with Resolve to Defend Workers' Rights How does one begin to measure the pulse of a movement? The air was thick with determination as the Fifth Quadrennial Congress of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) reached its conclusion in Mogadishu on February 12, 2025. It was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Somali labour movement. With 328 delegates—53% men and 47% women—hailing from both the bustling regions of the five…

For the past 10 days, Farah Salka and her team of staff and volunteers at a Lebanese anti-racism organisation have answered thousands of desperate messages from women who have nowhere to hide from the bombs. Before the start of the Israeli airstrikes, Salka’s job as head of Lebanon’s Anti-Racism Movement (Arm) involved advocating and campaigning for the rights of Lebanon’s 400,000 migrant workers. Now, she and her team have become frontline humanitarian workers, struggling to find shelter and protection for overseas…

She’d been busting her hump with laundry, cleaning, and cooking, earning a humble $6-10 daily, just enough to keep her family afloat. After five long years, her gig was pulled from under her feet by her employers, citing financial strain. “We now lean on our neighbors’ generosity for food. When nothing turns up, we go to bed hungry,” Najmo explained. “We’ve got zilch. All we can do is pray to the Almighty for relief,” she sighed. She's drowning under $400 in back rent and facing eviction. Previous oustings from other homes…

On Friday in Berlin, German and Kenyan officials inked a pact designed to attract skilled workers to Germany and streamline the repatriation process for Kenyans who aren’t eligible to stay in the country.This deal came to fruition during Kenyan President William Ruto's visit to Germany, where he had discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.Reflecting on the significance of the agreement, Scholz commented, "This is a pivotal step that symbolizes Germany and Kenya's partnership in migration matters." "It aids us in…

REUTERS/Baz Ratner/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights March 24, 2020, saw a plane touch down at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya. OPEN QUOTE The largest aviation workers' union in Kenya has scheduled a strike for Wednesday, voicing opposition to a proposed deal. This arrangement, with India's Adani Group (ADEL.NS), opens new tab, would lease the primary airport for three decades. The deal includes expanding the facilities. This info was shared by a union representative on Tuesday. WHY IT MATTERS…