PRESS STATEMENT
Monday 1st January, 2018.
The Somali Congress of Trade Unions (SOCOTU) wishes to share its position on the state of the nation and address few issues concerning the direction that the country is heading. The SOCOTU has been flowing recent developments in the country and the alleged interference by foreign powers in the affairs of our country.
Over the years Somalia both as people and nation has made significant progress in nation building and has developed good relation with its international partners. The elections of 2012 and 2016 are a perfect example of the growth of institutions and the transition of power that Somalia has achieved. The growing democratization, establishment of new federal states and the return of Somalis in the diaspora is a good sign of peace and prosperity that Somalia is headed to.
However, in the recent months with the start of the gulf crises there have been political tensions in the country following the decision of the government of Somalia to stay neutral in the crises. It is alleged that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is trying to intimidate the leadership of the Somali government for its decision and sponsor regime change by using some opposition politicians.
Due to these factors the SOCOTU calls for the government of Somalia to stand on its feet and reject anything that will put the Sovereignty of our nation into trouble. Somalia is a sovereign and independent nation and therefore deserves respect for its decisions.
Nevertheless the SOCOTU urges the Somali government to face the situation with restraint and respect opposition politics as it is part of our democracy. We call on the government to open platforms to engage our politicians so that the enemy does not get the opportunity to use them for their gains.
Similarly we urge our federal states to uphold the rule of law and do not give room to the countries with the intention to destroy our peace and stability. SOCOTU wishes to make it clear that the Somali government is in charge of foreign policy and that member states should abide by the laws of the land.
Moreover, the Somali Congress of Trade Unions (SOCOTU) wishes to thank all the countries that have played a major role in restoring peace and stability and have helped us develop the institutions for our country. In particular we wish to thank the government and people of Turkey for standing with us during the hard times.
Finally the SOCOTU wishes to thank the government of Somalia for ensuring that all government workers have received their salaries without delay. SOCOTU feels it is the most honorable thing that many previous governments have failed to guarantee the government workers. SOCOTU urges the government to continue with this spirit and never return workers to the path of misery that they so badly wish to forget.
May the New Year bring joy to all the people of Somalia
May Allah Bless our nation.
