International Press Day in Comoros

Faiza delivering her written speech in French

The Press Day was celebrated this Saturday at the place of independence in Moroni. Many media people from public to private organizations attended the event. In her speech read in French, Faiza Souley from the governmental newspaper Al-Watwan urges the Comorian government to protect journalists in their jobs by giving them more freedom for the press.  

Abdul Aziz from the daily newspaper Al-Fajr thanked Fatah, a member of the Comorian Parliament who proposed a bill project that protects the Comorian journalists. ‘' I have introduced my project law since last August. It is still in the hands of a special committee, but they did nothing’’ he said. 

Samya Bounou

According to Abdullah Said Ali, a member of the Parliament, Fatah’s project has many flaws.  That’s the reason why it has not been passed until now, he said.  

Al-Watwan’s editor- in- chief, Samya Bounou closed the meeting by inviting her colleagues to a picnique where they can meet and discuss everything. 

 There are only one public radio, one public TV for the central Comorian government and numerous private radios, TVs and newspapers in each island of the Union of Comoros.  

Moroni, May 3^rd 2014

International Labor Day in Comoros

Chabane, second from the left and Ali, second from the right

 ‘‘We urge women to sign up for the Unions’ membership and take responsibilities,’’ said Tashrifa Aboubacar, state employee at the public service department of Ngazidja. Many women, including the minister of Labor and Employment, participated in the event to celebrate the international Labor Day.  

The Comorian Unions celebrate the international Labor Day in Moroni every 1^st may since the 1990s when the Comoros became a democratic republic with multiparty political organizations and private free media. ‘‘EveryUnion’s corporate should have at least 40% of women in its board,’’ said Salim Suleiman, secretary general of CTC (Comorian Workers Federation). According to Suleiman, membership has increased in his organization since 2013. He cited 5 companies which have become member of his organization. According to Suleiman, his organization did a good job in 2013/2014. He gave the example of 71 primary teachers from the island of Moheli and many state own companies who have reintegrated their jobs after having been wrongly fired by their bosses.   

Suleiman during his speech

 

Chabane Mohamed is the teacher’s Union national secretary. He demands the new salary package to be implemented for all state employees. In addition, he suggests the decrease of the big salaries for the politicians. According to Mohamed, it’s the only way to reduce unemployment and create jobs in the country. 

In his speech, Ali Abdu, member of the Water and Electricity public company’s Union slams the government concerning the management of many state own companies which are run without  boards of directors. Thus, he urges that the boards of directors should appoint the directors general and approve the budget of any state own company. 

Moroni, May 1^st 2014

Chami Mouzawar

Contributing writer