The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expresses its profound sorrow and deep sense of loss following the passing of Advocate Tahlil Haji Hussein, who died in Rome, Italy.

Advocate Tahlil Haji Hussein was a brilliant, fearless and highly respected lawyer whose contribution to the defence of human rights and trade union freedoms in Somalia will never be forgotten. His passing is not only a loss to his family and the legal fraternity but also to the journalists’ community, the labour movement and the entire nation.

At a time when NUSOJ was facing intense institutional attacks, pressure, interference and attempts to undermine its independence, Advocate Tahlil stood firmly with us. He was our lead lawyer during the most difficult period of our struggle to defend the right to freedom of association and to uphold the existence of a free, independent and democratic trade union, free from government interference, control and manipulation.

For over eleven (11) years of struggle, he stood at the forefront of this fight. He courageously led the filing of the first-ever case against the government on behalf of NUSOJ to defend the fundamental right to freedom of association. He carried this struggle through the courts, including at the Supreme Court, where a landmark and unanimous ruling affirmed the principles for which we had fought and marked a victory for freedom of association.

Advocate Tahlil also elevated the struggle to the international level to bolster the national fight. He took the case to the United Nations human rights mechanisms in Geneva, including the UN Human Rights Council and the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association, where NUSOJ secured decisive victories that strengthened the protection of trade union rights in Somalia, including the unanimous support of top UN human rights experts backing the NUSOJ case.

Equally significant was his active role in advocacy at the European level. He contributed to the efforts that led to the European Parliament adopting its first ever resolution addressing freedom of expression and freedom of association in Somalia, explicitly recognising and supporting the right of NUSOJ to exist and operate as an independent organisation.

Advocate Tahlil Haji Hussein was a veteran lawyer of immense knowledge, experience and conviction. He was not afraid to stand up for what is right, even in the face of immense challenges. His legacy is one of courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice.

The NUSOJ Secretary-General, Omar Faruk Osman, said: “Advocate Tahlil was not just our lawyer; he was a comrade in struggle, a defender of justice who stood with us when it mattered most. In our darkest moments, when the very existence of our union was under threat, he did not hesitate; he fought with courage, clarity and conviction. He believed deeply in the just cause we were advancing, and he carried that belief into every courtroom, every argument and every international platform. His voice gave strength to ours, and his work has left a lasting foundation for freedom of association and freedom of expression in Somalia. With him, we defeated enemies of fundamental rights and their enablers, and equally embarrassed the naysayers. We have lost a fearless defender, but his legacy will continue to guide our struggle. Comrade Tahlil, rest in peace and paradise. The struggle continues with even greater determination.“

NUSOJ mourns his passing with his family, the legal community and all those who believe in justice, human rights and freedom. His contribution to the struggle for freedom of expression and freedom of association in Somalia will remain a lasting pillar in our movement.

We honour his life, his work and his legacy.