A heavy fire broke out at Gobonimo Market, which has brought back concerns about the vulnerability of important business centers in the city.
In a press release from the Somaliland Police, it was confirmed that they sent officers and firefighters to the scene to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. “The Somaliland Police Force responded quickly to the fire that broke out at Gobonimo Market, and are actively working to control it with the help of the Fire Brigade,” the statement said.
The mayor of Hargeisa, Abdikarim Mooge, who was visibly shaken, described the fire as very shocking and suggested the public to take part in preventing further damage. “I’m calling on everyone to do whatever they can to help put out the fire and support those who lost their lives.”
Somaliland’s economy is heavily dependent on informal trade.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, although preliminary reports suggest that electrical faults or unsafe storage of flammable materials may have been the cause. Authorities have launched an investigation, with local officials calling for stricter safety laws to prevent future tragedies.
This fire is a sign of another damage to the business centers in the city of Hargeisa, which have been damaged by fire in recent years. Two years ago, Waaheen Market, considered the heart of the city’s economy, was gutted by fire, displacing thousands of traders and causing millions of dollars in damage. In September 2023, the Wajale market worsened the economic instability in the region.
Such fires have also destroyed major markets across Somaliland in the past two years, such as the Taiwan Market in Jigjiga and important commercial centers in Mogadishu, Djibouti and Kenya, causing economic disruption. and widespread loss.