The Gobonimo Market fire in Hargeisa has been fully extinguished, but the aftermath reveals a crisis beyond financial losses—a failure of basic infrastructure. Firefighters, police, and military forces battled the inferno, yet poor access roads significantly hindered their response, allowing the flames to spread unchecked.
For traders, the devastation is more than just material. One businesswoman described waking up to her entire livelihood reduced to ashes, a tragic reality for many who relied on the market for survival.
Eyewitnesses and traders blamed the lack of roads for amplifying the destruction. Narrow alleys, overcrowded stalls, and the absence of emergency pathways turned the market into a death trap for businesses. Fire engines struggled to navigate the congested streets, costing valuable time in a battle against the blaze.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial reports point to electrical faults and unsafe storage of flammable materials. The disaster raises serious questions about Hargeisa’s urban planning, with critics urging authorities to prioritize fire safety, enforce building regulations, and modernize market infrastructure.
Unless Somaliland’s leadership acts decisively, this tragedy will not be the last.
