Bariire, Lower Shabelle – In a stirring display of unity and resilience, residents of Bariire city in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region have come together to launch a community-led campaign aimed at restoring normal life following the town’s recent liberation from Al-Shabaab militants.
The initiative, which began on Wednesday, is being driven entirely by volunteers, with local residents, elders, youth, and officials joining forces to clean streets, repair damaged public buildings, and assist families returning home after years of displacement.
Bariire, once a thriving agricultural town, suffered greatly under Al-Shabab’s control, enduring economic stagnation and limited access to basic services. With the militants driven out by government forces, residents say they are determined to rebuild their community from the ground up and restore the dignity of everyday life.
Volunteers were seen clearing debris, reopening blocked roads, and rehabilitating schools and health centers that had fallen into disrepair.
Local authorities praised the initiative as a model of civic responsibility and a testament to the people’s determination to move forward after years of conflict. They also urged development partners and humanitarian agencies to support the community’s recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for clean water, healthcare, and livelihood programs.
As the sound of sweeping brooms and hammers replaces that of gunfire, Bariire stands as a symbol of renewal in a region long affected by instability. The sight of families returning to their homes and children playing in newly cleaned streets reflects a growing hope that peace—and progress—are once again possible in southern Somalia.