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Massive fire engulfs Hargeisa’s Gobonimo Market
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    Monday February 3, 2025


    Firefighters battle intense flames at Gobonimo Market in Hargeisa. The fire, which caused widespread destruction, has prompted calls for stricter safety measures.

    Hargeisa (HOL) — A massive fire swept through Gobonimo Market on Saturday, reigniting concerns over the vulnerability of the city’s key commercial centers. 

    In a statement, the Somaliland Police confirmed they had dispatched officers and firefighters to the scene to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. “The Somaliland Police Force quickly responded to the fire at Gobonimo Market and is actively working to contain it with assistance from the Fire Department,” the statement read.

    Hargeisa Mayor Abdikarim Mooge, visibly shaken, described the fire as a “shocking disaster” and urged the public to help prevent further damage. “I call on everyone to contribute in any way possible to help extinguish the flames and support those who have lost their livelihoods.” 

    Somaliland’s economy relies heavily on informal trade.

    The cause of the fire is still unknown, though preliminary reports suggest electrical faults or unsafe storage of flammable goods may be to blame. Authorities have launched an investigation, with local officials calling for stricter safety regulations to prevent future disasters.

    The inferno marks another devastating blow to Hargeisa’s commercial hubs, which have suffered a series of destructive market fires in recent years. Two years ago, Waaheen Market—once considered the beating heart of the city’s economy—was destroyed by fire, displacing thousands of traders and causing millions of dollars in damages. In September 2023,    Wajaale Market further exacerbated the region’s economic instability.

    Similar fires have also devastated major markets across the wider Somali region Over the past two years, including the Taiwan Market in Jigjiga and key trading hubs in Mogadishu, Djibouti, and Kenya, triggering widespread economic disruptions and losses.



    Flames rise from Gobonimo Market as Hargeisa residents watch in shock late Saturday evening. The fire tore through shops and stalls, threatening nearby buildings.

     





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