Horn of Africa Trade Union Leaders Convene in Mogadishu for Historic HACTU Assembly

MOGADISHU — Trade union leaders from across the Horn of Africa gathered in Mogadishu on Wednesday for the General Assembly of the Horn of Africa Confederation of Trade Unions (HACTU), a two-day meeting hosted by the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU).

The assembly brought together leaders of national trade union centres from IGAD member states, Somali government ministers, and senior representatives from IGAD and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The meeting is supported by the ILO and funded by the European Union.

Professor Salim Aliyow Ibrow, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, officially opened the General Assembly, underscoring the strong social dialogue and productive relationship between the Somali government and the labour movement. The Minister has previously reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing labour legislation implementation in accordance with international labour standards and developing policies that support decent work and expanded employment opportunities.

Regional Cooperation and Labour Mobility

Ambassador Jamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, contributed to the discussions on trade, linking the region’s growing economic integration with the need for good jobs and workers’ rights. He emphasized that as Somalia expands its regional trade engagement, workers must also benefit from the opportunities and gains that result.

The Minister’s remarks align with Somalia’s broader push for regional economic integration, including its recent ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which opens access to a continental market of more than 1.4 billion consumers. Somalia has also been actively engaging in global trade negotiations to boost its international trade profile and attract investment.

Mr. Khumbula Ndaba, ILO Country Director for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, addressed the gathering on decent work, labour mobility, social dialogue, and the need to strengthen regional cooperation. He underscored the critical role of trade unions in shaping fair and rights-based labour mobility governance.

Speaking on behalf of the IGAD Executive Secretary, Ambassador Moussa Ali Meigague, Director of IGAD’s Health and Social Development Division, emphasized IGAD’s commitment to working with HACTU, the region’s officially recognized trade union confederation, to advance priorities on jobs, employment, and social affairs across the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s recent labour reforms provide important context for the discussions, with the country implementing a new Labour Code in 2025 after 52 years without meaningful reform. The new law guarantees stronger protection for workers, safer workplaces, and more inclusive employment practices.

Union Leadership and Agenda

HACTU President Dr. Sirralkhatim Mohamed and Secretary-General Kassahun Follo presented the priorities of the regional labour movement. FESTU General Secretary Omar Faruk Osman, welcoming the delegates on behalf of the host organization, called for strengthened solidarity and effective cooperation among trade unions across borders.

Over the two days, labour leaders will discuss strengthening regional union solidarity, contributing to peace and stability, and building a unified and strong voice for workers to represent their interests. The agenda also includes free movement of persons, fair labour mobility, protection of migrant workers’ rights, seasonal pastoralism, and regional trade.

The Minister has previously promoted cross-border collaboration and the sharing of technical expertise at ILO summits, concentrating on creating unified labour policies designed to tackle the economic and demographic challenges common to the Horn of Africa. Officials have also examined the development of stable regulatory frameworks for labour migration, structured approaches to extend social protection systems, and the complete eradication of child labour practices in the region.

The assembly comes at a time when the Horn of Africa is becoming increasingly interconnected, with growing trade, human mobility, and regional interaction. HACTU and its member organizations believe that workers must be part of shaping that future, with their rights protected and their voices heard.

Critical Note

The HACTU General Assembly in Mogadishu represents a significant moment for regional labour cooperation and for Somalia’s role in hosting such discussions. Bringing together union leaders from across the Horn of Africa signals growing recognition that labour rights and mobility require coordinated regional approaches.

Yet, the challenges facing workers in the region remain substantial. Migrant workers continue to face exploitation, contract substitution, and poor working conditions, while informal labour intermediaries often operate beyond the reach of regulation. The commitments made in Mogadishu will need to be translated into concrete action, including stronger enforcement of labour laws and improved protection for vulnerable workers.

For Somalia, hosting this assembly is an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to labour rights and regional integration. The government’s recent labour reforms, including the new Labour Code and the National Labour Migration Policy, provide a foundation for progress. However, as FESTU has warned in the context of bilateral labour agreements with Gulf states, the absence of enforceable safeguards can leave workers vulnerable to exploitation. The government must ensure that its regional engagements prioritize worker protection alongside economic interests.