Monday April 4, 2022
A massive fire in an expansive market in the capital of
Somaliland destroyed property worth up to $2 billion, according to local
officials in the autonomous region of Somalia.
At least 28 people were wounded in the Friday night fire
that ravaged Waheen market, a major source of livelihood for the residents of
Hargeisa.
The loss on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan sparked
despair among many at home and solidary efforts among outsiders who say they
will help Somaliland in rebuilding the market.
A preliminary report released by a national taskforce
looking into the fire estimates losses of between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but some
traders in Hargeisa said they believe a bad electrical connection may have been
the cause.
The disaster has united Somalis, with President Mohamed
Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia reaching out to Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi
in a rare phone call between the two. Abdi, who has been Somaliland’s president
since 2017, has been pursuing international recognition of his territory’s
self-declared independence, which Somalia opposes.
“Saddened to see the aftermath of the fire in Hargeisa with
such destruction in the open market that is the economic heart of the city,
affecting many small and family enterprises,” British Prime Minister Boris
Johnson said on Twitter. “Your city will rise again and the UK will do what we
can to support Somaliland’s rebuilding effort.”
Some in Hargeisa who spoke to AP said the fire shattered
their livelihood.
“It is a major hit on the first day of Ramadan, as so many
of us rely on this market (to) make our ends meet,” said businesswoman Hodan
Ali, who lost property in the inferno.
She described Waheen market as “a one-stop spot for the
needs of” Somalilanders.
Strategically located by the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland’s
territory of more than 3 million people broke away from Somalia in 1991 as the
country collapsed into warlord-led conflict.
Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has
maintained its own independent government, currency and security system. The
region has largely succeeded in holding regular elections over the years,
including parliamentary polls held last year.