One dead as massive fire guts Mogadishu’s second-largest market Suuq Bacaad

A major fire broke out at Suuq Bacaad, Mogadishu’s second-largest market, on Monday night, causing widespread destruction and leading to the death of a young girl.

The fire, which began at approximately 6:00 pm in the Yaaqshid District, continued for several hours and was only fully contained by nightfall.

Authorities suspect that the fire was caused by an electrical fault. According to local officials, such faults are common in many parts of Mogadishu, particularly in older commercial areas where infrastructure remains outdated and poorly maintained.

Yaaqshid District Mayor Suleiman Mahamoud Fargah confirmed the preliminary cause during a statement issued shortly after the fire was extinguished.

He also expressed his condolences to the family of the young girl who lost her life in the incident.

"We share in the sorrow of those who lost loved ones, particularly the family of the young girl," said the Mayor. He added that no other injuries had been reported.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire began in a section of the market known for selling household items. The blaze then spread quickly to nearby stalls, aided by strong winds and the flammable materials stored in many of the small, closely packed shops. Many traders and residents fled the scene as the flames intensified, leaving behind goods and belongings in their haste to escape.

Emergency response teams from the Banadir Regional Administration responded to the scene, including police units and local firefighting personnel.

Volunteers also joined the efforts to put out the fire, and Hormuud Telecom dispatched a team to assist in the emergency response. Despite their combined efforts, large portions of the market were destroyed.

Traders returning to the market on Tuesday morning found their businesses in ruins. Charred wood, twisted metal, and the remains of merchandise littered the area where rows of shops once stood.

Ibrahim Muse, a long-time trader who is among those who suffered heavy losses while speaking to local reporters, described the extent of his family’s losses.

“Tonight, we have become a destitute family. We are deeply saddened,” said Ibrahim.

He explained that three of his shops had been destroyed, along with several others owned by his mother.

Another vendor, who requested not to be named, described the chaos that unfolded as the fire spread.

“It was chaos… the fire spread so fast. We couldn’t save anything,” he said. Many traders were unable to salvage their goods, as the fire moved too quickly and there were no adequate systems in place to stop it early.

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• One dead as massive fire guts Mogadishu’s second-largest market Suuq Bacaad
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Following the incident, a group of local business leaders have proposed forming a committee to assess the overall damage caused by the fire. The proposed committee will be responsible for documenting financial losses, identifying affected traders, and coordinating with local authorities on support and recovery efforts.

As of now, no official plan for compensation or market reconstruction has been released by the government.

This latest fire has once again highlighted long-standing concerns about the lack of basic safety infrastructure in Mogadishu’s markets.

Suuq Bacaad, which plays a significant role in the city’s economy, lacks fire hydrants, emergency access routes, and proper electrical safety systems.

The market has experienced multiple fire incidents in recent years, each exposing the vulnerabilities of both the businesses and the surrounding infrastructure.

The federal and local governments have been repeatedly urged by traders and civil society groups to invest in fire prevention measures and modernise infrastructure in key commercial areas.

However, progress has been slow. Calls for investment in fire safety systems have not resulted in meaningful changes, and many markets remain exposed to the risk of similar disasters.

An official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and to establish whether any negligence or violations contributed to its rapid spread.

Authorities have not given a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, traders are left to deal with the consequences of the fire. Many are now struggling with how to rebuild their businesses with limited resources and no assurance of support.