Fire safety cannot remain an afterthought in Somalia

By: Khadra Yasien Ahmed
Tuesday July 21, 2026

The latest fire at Mogadishu’s Bakaara Market is a painful reminder of a recurring problem in Somalia. This is not the first time that sections of one of the country’s most important commercial centres have been destroyed by fire, and unless meaningful preventive measures are taken, it is unlikely to be the last. Behind every burned shop are livelihoods, families, and years of hard work that can vanish within a matter of hours.

Several factors may contribute to the frequent outbreaks of fire in markets such as Bakaara. One of the most cited causes is poor electrical infrastructure. Informal and overloaded wiring systems, illegal electrical connections, aging cables, and inadequate maintenance create significant fire risks. In crowded markets where hundreds of businesses operate side by side, even a small electrical fault can quickly escalate into a largescale disaster. The lack of fire prevention measures, including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, water access points, and emergency exits, further increases the vulnerability of traders and customers. Narrow pathways and unplanned market structures can also delay emergency responses and hinder firefighting efforts.

The consequences of these fires extend far beyond the immediate destruction of property. For traders, a fire often means losing their entire investment and source of income overnight. Many small business owners operate without insurance and rely on daily sales to support their families. When goods and shops are destroyed, households can suddenly face financial insecurity, debt, and uncertainty about the future. The psychological impact can also be profound, as affected families cope with stress, anxiety, and the loss of years of hard work. The long-term effects of such income loss may persist long after the fire has been extinguished, affecting the well-being and economic security of families and communities alike.

The wider economic impact is equally significant. Bakaara Market is Somalia’s largest commercial hub and a vital pillar of the national economy. Fires disrupt supply chains, reduce the availability of goods, increase prices, and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend directly or indirectly on market activity. Repeated disasters can undermine business confidence, discourage investment, and weaken economic growth. Since markets such as Bakaara play a central role in the distribution of food and essential goods, disruptions can have far-reaching consequences for community welfare and food security.

Government accountability is central to preventing such tragedies. Protecting lives, property, and businesses is a fundamental responsibility of public authorities. Markets such as Bakaara are not only places of commerce, they are engines of employment, income generation, and social stability. Thousands of families depend on these businesses for their livelihoods, while surrounding communities rely on them for access to affordable goods and services. Local, regional, and national authorities therefore have a duty to establish and enforce safety regulations, conduct regular inspections, improve electrical infrastructure, strengthen emergency response capacity, and invest in disaster preparedness. When these responsibilities are neglected, the consequences are borne by ordinary citizens who lose their businesses, incomes, and, in some cases, their life savings.

The recurring fires in Bakaara Market should serve as an urgent warning for policymakers, business owners, and the wider community. Fire safety cannot remain an afterthought. Investing in safer infrastructure, stronger regulatory oversight, public awareness, and emergency preparedness is not only about protecting property, but also about safeguarding livelihoods, preserving economic stability, and promoting public welfare. As Somalia continues its path toward development and recovery, ensuring the safety of its markets must become a national priority. As the well-known public health principle reminds us, prevention is better, and far cheaper, than treatment. Investing in fire safety today is an investment in public health, economic resilience, food security, and the well-being of Somali society as a whole.

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Khadra Yasien Ahmed
Bergen, Norway.