AMISOM REFUSES TO OPEN BAKARA MARKET!

Mogadishu (Keydmedia) - Bakara market is one of the few biggest open-air markets in east Africa. This was a feeding income centre for several families living in Mogadishu. Its home to different types of businesses, lowest being handcart services for any kind of light transport.

Article Keydmedia Online
15 March 2011

The closure of this market came up when Burundi contingent invade an attack to former defense headquarter building which was a base to Al-sabaab a month ago. The invasion made the only open existing road to the market to shut down.
 
Efforts made to open a road by bakara market claimed leader Mr. Ali Dere bared no fruit when parties concerned got a rejected reply from AMISOM top Mogadishu based Ugandan contingent. The proposed to be opened road is the junction at former fire brigade base along Maka Almukara highway, which is next to the biggest Ugandan base along the only open existing highway to villa Somalia-state house.
 
Bakara market is today a ghost market with very rarely seen individuals who are still making a watch over the assets remained. On the other side, newly urgently constructed warehouses created in other parts of Mogadishu are doing a booming business to store goods.
Today, buildings are renovated all along strategic business centers of Wadajir and Darkinley districts of Banadir region. This has diverted the whole lifestyle of Mogadishu residents, who have now adapted without Bakara market.
 
Keydmedia investigative team managed to speak to Ali Dere who claimed to be the chairperson of Bakara market association who confirmed that their effort diminished when AMISOM rejected to open roads leading to the market. On the other side, AMISOM Mogadishu spokesperson major Bahuku claimed,”We have no reason neither an interest to Bakara market”.
 
While this defenses and counter accusations are on ground, convoys loaded heavily with different types of goods are seen parked in several parts of Mogadishu from the main port not having a place to offload!.

Jamal - Mogadishu - Keydmedia Correspondent