MOGADISHU (WDN) – The massive fire that swept through Suuq Bacaad on August 5, one of Mogadishu’s largest markets in the Yaaqshid district, causing extensive damage, has prompted conflicting reports about its cause.

Yaaqshid District Commissioner Suleiman Mahmoud told the media the blaze, which burned for hours before being brought under control, was suspected to have been triggered by an electrical fault, though investigations were still ongoing.

On the other hand, Somali MP Yaasiin Fareey has voiced strong criticism of the government’s plans for the fire-damaged Suuq Bacaad market, reiterating his belief that the blaze was deliberately set to pave the way for economic interests.

Fareey accused the Banadir Regional Administration of plotting to evict small-scale traders from Suuq Bacaad and replace them with large-scale merchants who have plans to redevelop the site into major commercial complexes.

The MP, who represents traders from both Siinaay and Suuq Bacaad in parliament, said he firmly opposes any attempt to displace the market’s long-standing small vendors, just as he opposed similar moves in Siinaay market.

“The small traders of Suuq Bacaad are being targeted for eviction so the market can be handed over to big business interests,” Fareey stated.

He also referred to comments made by Mogadishu Mayor and Banadir Governor Hassan Muungaab during his visit to Suuq Bacaad after the fire. According to Fareey, the mayor’s repeated promises that the market would be “improved” are a coded way of saying it will be redeveloped for wealthy merchants while pushing out the existing small-scale traders.

So far, government officials — particularly from the Banadir Regional Administration — have not responded to the persistent accusations made by MP Fareey, who continues to warn that Suuq Bacaad’s fate may mirror that of Siinaay, where he claims residents and traders were forcibly displaced.

WardheerNews