The Al Shabab militants in Somalia have, for a long time, been a significant threat to the country’s development. The East African country is finally putting itself together after years of fighting against the terror group. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) says that there has been a boom in Somalia’s real estate, especially in the capital Mogadishu, leading to its development.
There has also been an increased improvement in the state of road infrastructure in Mogadishu. Somalia received the US $9 million from the United Nations Office for Project Services to boost municipal infrastructure. According to a statement by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, the project has led to the successful construction of 7.5 kilometers of road in Mogadishu and another 4.9 kilometers in Garowe. This has increased access and improved the economic activities in those regions.
There are several ongoing constructions of various facilities in Mogadishu to add on to the already existing ones. Besides improved road infrastructure, Mogadishu now has better places of worship, such as a modern mosque, among other amenities such as a shopping mall. The city also has a safe public beach. All these have improved the economy of the country, and the social lives of the Somalian residents.
A modern mosque set in a thriving neighbourhood in #Mogadishu town. The real estate sector is thriving, – a vivid testimony of growth, recovery and development. #SomaliaGains2019 #SomG19 pic.twitter.com/JMM9ZxpzWj
— AMISOM (@amisomsomalia) December 14, 2019
A view of #Mogadishu town – the construction industry is thriving in the city as demand for properties for both business and accommodation is in high demand. #SomaliaGains2019 #SomG19 pic.twitter.com/ikrPhUZELS
— AMISOM (@amisomsomalia) December 11, 2019
A busy shopping mall in #Hamarwayne district, #Mogadishu. Commercial activity and retail business are thriving in #Somalia, the country is on its way to economic recovery. #SomaliaGains2019 #SomG19 pic.twitter.com/gm0wCgLb4I
— AMISOM (@amisomsomalia) December 12, 2019
Residents of Mogadishu enjoying the weekend at Lido beach. With the improving security situation, social life is thriving in #Somalia. The country’s beautiful beaches providing the perfect relaxation. #SomaliaGains2019 #SomG19 pic.twitter.com/D0nD6WYh03
— AMISOM (@amisomsomalia) December 13, 2019
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced its readiness to assist Somalia in accessing some debt relief and secure financial resources. This will be a major step towards the reconstruction of the country. An analysis of Somalia by IMF shows that the country is in ‘debt distress’. The country has an external debt summing up to $4.7 billion, which is equivalent to its entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
There is also no way to repay the debt, especially because 96 percent of it is already in arrears. This means that even if the East African nation does not borrow any other amount, its debt burden will continue to grow, according to Foreign Policy. The IMF is, therefore, helping Somalia to clear its arrears while also asking countries owed by Somalia to forgive the debts.
Related: Sexism on the Battlefield: The Story of Iman Elman, Somalia’s Youngest Female Commander
