Mogadishu, Somalia (Onkod Radio) More than 1,000 workers gathered in Mogadishu on to mark the International Labor Day, amid Somalia’s unemployment on the rise, especially youth unemployment coupled with the severe droughts that hit the country.

@festusomalia is leading the call for employment-intensive investment as a pathway to decent work for all. Today’s National Conference, held on the occasion of International Labour Day, set the tone for action, bringing workers, government and partners together to drive real… pic.twitter.com/smMWcE7Cx6

— Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) (@festusomalia) May 2, 2026

Organized by the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU), The National Conference set the tone for action, bringing workers, government and partners together to drive real solutions, while FESTU is leading the call for employment-intensive investment as a pathway to decent work for all.

“Today’s National Conference, held on the occasion of International Labour Day, set the tone for action, bringing workers, government and partners together to drive real solutions. Power to the workers” FESTU said in a statement.

“Workers under the leadership of Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) stood united in strength and solidarity. We rise, we organise and we demand our rights. This day belongs to workers. Power to the workers!” FESTU added.

Somalia faces one of the biggest youth unemployment in decades, where youth graduates are seen working on Tuk-Tuk or restaurants to earn their living, while many fled the country to seek a better life.