(16-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The Somali Communication Workers Union (SOCOWU) joined other entities and senior figures in condemning the recent unjust treatment of some of its members employed at Hormuud Telecom Somalia.
A press release issued on 16 January 2024, signed by Eng Mohamed Abdullahi, the SOCOWU Chairman, raised concern over the alleged harassment of Hormuud staff by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Mogadishu. The union’s statement repudiated such actions and demanded the immediate cessation of any unfair treatment meted out to members belonging to the Union.
“SOCOWU urgently appeals to the leaders of the National Intelligence and Security Agency and all government officials to swiftly release the workers who are currently unlawfully detained. We emphasise the importance of upholding justice, respecting the rights of workers, and fostering an environment where citizens can contribute to the nation’s progress without fear of persecution,” read part of the statement.
Moreover, the Union urged the top federal government leadership, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, to intervene and take decisive measures against the perpetrators of SOCOWU members’ harassment at Hormuud.
Dedicated to championing the rights and welfare of communication workers in Somalia, SOCOWU is optimistic that its call for justice will not go unheeded and that immediate action will be initiated to redress this unfortunate situation.
SOCOWU’s statement is in response to the recent raids by NISA on several Hormuud branches in Mogadishu, prompted by demands from the national agency for the disclosure of some Hormuud customers’ data. However, the demands were rejected by the telecommunications company owing to concerns over data privacy.
Halqabsi News
