1 October, 2013The harsh reality of organising workers in Somalia was vividly shown in September, when the ITUC-affiliated Federation of Somali Trade Unions, FESTU, discovered a bomb buried at the entrance gate of the union headquarters in Mogadishu. Probably placed the previous night, the bomb was the latest attempt to intimidate the union.
FETSU’s ten affiliated trade unions participated at the meeting on 28 September, which was held at the federation’s head office in Mogadishu. The meeting had been called to exchange views and consult about the increasing number of threats and attempts to destabilize the federation. Politically motivated, the attacks, including specific death threats, appear to be intended to intimidate and threaten FESTU and its elected leadership.
The very real threat under which trade unions in Somalia operate was made blatantly clear with the discovery of a bomb planted outside the headquarters. The bomb was subsequently removed without any damage and handed over to the police.
Despite the bomb, the meeting went ahead and the unions unanimously agreed to a declaration. Protests have been lodged with the Federal Police Commissioner, the Prime Minister of Somalia and the Minister of Interior & National Security.
At present, IndustriALL Global Union has no affiliated trade unions in Somalia, but is in detailed discussions with FETSU over the creation of a new oil and gas workers union. FESTU is the first independent and democratic trade union centre in the country, and the current situation highlights the importance to assist them in their struggles.
IndustriALL Global Union join the call of FESTU and its member unions, that all people unite against the elements behind these attacks, as well as on the government to take decisive action to protect the people. The unions have pledged to campaign to the last ounce of their energies against on-going intimidation and harassment of labour leaders and members. IndustriALL Global Union strongly commends and salutes their determination to continue to fight for workers rights and a living wage for the workers of Somalia.