Hargeisa market fire extinguished, poor access roads hindered response

A massive fire that broke out at Gobonimo Market in Hargeisa on Sunday night has been fully extinguished, leaving significant destruction and financial losses.

Former Hargeisa Mayor Abdirahman Soltelco praised the efforts of the fire brigade, police force, and military personnel, who worked together to contain the blaze. 

“I thank the fire brigade, the police force, and the military who all contributed to putting out the fire. It is now extinguished and under control,” he said.  

However, the fire has left many traders devastated. One woman entrepreneur, whose business was completely destroyed, described the emotional impact of the loss. 

“I don’t know anything about my business. I arrived at the scene, and it was all gone. I was asleep when the fire started,” she explained.  

Traders and witnesses blamed poor road conditions within the market for hampering firefighting efforts, allowing the fire to spread rapidly. 

“The main cause of the losses is the lack of proper access. The market has no road for vehicles—not even a cart can pass through,” one witness said.  

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest it may have been caused by electrical faults or the unsafe storage of flammable materials.