Bakara market, Somalia's largest market, was officially re-opened on Saturday by Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who visited the area and met with local business owners.
“Bakara market is important for lives of the Somali people in general and in particular to the residents of Mogadishu. Almost all the businesses of Mogadishu are here,” President Sharif told a crowd of businessmen and residents.
“The government has put an emphasis on the security of the market and also we are urge the traders and businessmen to collaborate with the security forces,” he added.
Government forces have been conducting search and clean-up operations in the market since al-Shabaab vacated the area in early August. The soldiers searched for pockets of al-Shabaab fighters as well as weapons and explosives.
“Our forces have carried out search operations and the market was cleared out to ensure safety. Special security forces will be deployed in the market and we will guarantee the security and businesses in the market,” Police Commissioner Sharif Sheikhune Somalia Report.
Since early this year, government forces backed by African Union peacekeeping forces battled against al-Shabaab for control of Bakara, a main source of funds for the insurgents’ fight against the government.
Many business activities were shifted to Hamar-weyne market and during the last two weeks, but the president urged businesses to return to Bakara.
Despite devastating destruction from months of warfare, many store and stalls were opened and and small traders re-emerged today after months of absence from their business.
When businesses re-opened today, Somalia Report found the price of everyday items to be as follows (using $1 USD equivalent to 29,000 Somali Shillings):
Pasta 1kg ---- 38,000 Somali Shillings
Rice 1kg ---- 58,000 Somali Shillings
Flour 1kg ---- 20,000 Somali Shillings
Sugar 1kg ---- 32,000 Somali Shillings
Cooking Oil 1 liter ----50,000 Somali Shillings
