Mogadishu, Somalia – A devastating blaze swept through Suuq Bacaad, Mogadishu’s second-largest market, on Monday evening, killing at least three people and leaving hundreds of stalls in ashes.
The massive fire caused extensive property losses and has raised serious concerns about safety infrastructure in the bustling commercial hub.
Local authorities confirmed the casualties early Tuesday, with emergency teams still assessing the full extent of the damage. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as flames engulfed large sections of the market, forcing traders and shoppers to flee for their lives.
“We lost everything—our goods, cash, and even hope. These will take years to rebuild,” said Ahmed Yare, a shop owner who watched helplessly as his textile stall was consumed by flames.
Firefighting crews battled the inferno for several hours before bringing it under control late in the night. Due to narrow passageways and the market’s dense layout, access was severely hampered, complicating containment efforts.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that an official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, with early speculation pointing to an electrical fault or mishandling of flammable materials.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged government support to affected traders.
“We will investigate this tragedy thoroughly and ensure those who suffered are not left behind,” he stated.
Suuq Bacaad plays a vital role in Mogadishu’s informal economy, housing thousands of vendors who trade in food, clothing, electronics, and household goods. The incident is a grim reminder of the lack of fire preparedness and disaster resilience in public marketplaces across Somalia.
Calls have intensified for the government and local authorities to implement urgent safety reforms and rebuild the market with improved fire prevention measures.