MPs Call for the Govt Not to Tear Down Properties At Bakaara Market

Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)

26 May 2011

Mogadishu — Some of Somali parliamentarians on Thursday called for the government and African Union peacekeepers not tear down the properties of merchants at Bakaara, Mogadishu’s largest and busiest market.

Ali Adam, a Somali lawmaker, said in an interview with Shabelle Media Network that the the government forces and AMISOM troops are needed not to bombard Bakaara market while fighting against Al shabaab fighters.

Ali Mohamoud Farah, better known as Ali Seko, another lawmaker, says they held meetings with Somalia interior ministry and discussed ways to save the properties lying at the market

In the past one or two years, repetitive battles between pro-government forces and Al Shabaab in Mogadishu have made it much harder for businessmen and costumers to access the capital’s economic heart, Bakaara market.

After three months of combat operations by Somali forces backed by African Union peacekeepers against the Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab, the market looks to be isolated.

Over the weekend, Somali forces penetrated into new Al Shabaab positions and managed to seize Wadnaha road, a key thoroughfare at the center of Mogadishu and very close to Bakaara market.

The Somali government believes that the market is an economic source for the militants as they have military bases inside it.

AllAfrica – All the Time