U.S. Ambassador Meets FESTU Leaders to Discuss Workers' Role in Advancing Conducive Environment for Investment in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, has met with the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) 's top leadership to discuss Somali workers' crucial role in national development.

During the meeting, Ambassador Riley engaged FESTU leaders—General Secretary Omar Faruk Osman, President Ahmed Osman Said, and Deputy President Nasra Haji Ahmed—on workers' representation.

The discussions focused on workers' representation and how FESTU as a workers' body can help create a business-friendly environment while advocating for workers' rights and improving conditions for Somali workers.

Ambassador Riley emphasized workers' importance to economic growth, stressing they must be central to Somalia’s progress for lasting success.

Omar Faruk Osman said fostering a business-friendly environment with decent work, labor protections, and social justice is key to attracting sustainable U.S. investment in Somalia.

“A robust labor market with fair wages, decent conditions, and strong protections would create a stable environment for foreign investment in Somalia,” he said.

He also pointed out that Somalia's development relies on improving labor protections, and social justice, and ensuring Somali workers have access to healthcare and education.

FESTU Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman thanked Ambassador Riley, highlighting the need for collaboration between FESTU, the government, and the private sector.

Osman stressed their efforts to prevent exploitation and protect workers’ rights, especially as Somalia’s labor market develops amid ongoing economic challenges and growth.

“This meeting strengthens U.S.-Somalia relations, showing support for Somalia’s workforce and their role in economic recovery and growth,” the general secretary said.

Ambassador Riley and FESTU leadership agreed to enhance collaboration to improve the labor market and protect Somali workers' rights.

The U.S. supports Somalia’s development, emphasizing people-centered growth and workers' rights as key to long-term prosperity and stability. The meeting highlighted Somali workers' vital role in the nation's development.