(23-09-23) MOGADISHU — In a town once clouded by fear, the smiles of 170 students walking into newly reopened schools signify more than an academic milestone; they mark a triumph of spirit. Harardhere, recently freed from extremist rule by joint government and local forces, is buzzing with an air of cautious optimism.
“We’re not just waking up from a nightmare; we’re dreaming again,” says Geedi Halane, a local parent. The return to classrooms comes after a 15-year hiatus due to Al-Shabaab’s presence, and the emotional weight isn’t lost on anyone.
The Somali National Army (SNA), often seen as a mere military force, is embracing a new role as a community builder. “We’re not just liberators; we’re part of this community’s renewal,” says Colonel Ahmed Ali of the SNA, whose troops have been distributing books, snacks, and a sense of security to local schools.
The town’s rebirth isn’t confined to the education sector. Once-empty hospital beds are filling up, and the sound of commerce—muffled for years—is returning as businesses cautiously reopen. “It’s like the town is taking its first deep breath in a decade and a half,” notes Sarah Moallin, a local healthcare worker.
The transformation of Harardhere isn’t just making local headlines; it stands as a blueprint for recovery for other troubled parts of Somalia. “What’s unfolding here is a narrative that challenges despair,” observes community elder Jama Elmi. “It’s a reminder to Somalia and the world that resilience isn’t just a word; it’s our way of life.”
Halqabsi News
