Jawad Bushnaq
- Jan 4, 2023
- 3 min read

RRF Assistance to Somaliland’s largest market burned down

The market in Waheen, Somaliland was once a bustling and thriving place, with over 2,000 shops and stalls selling a variety of goods. It was a major economic hub for the city of Hargeisa. However, earlier this month, a fire broke out and caused significant damage to the market, injuring 28 people and destroying hundreds of businesses. The mayor of Hargeisa, Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, called the disaster "a massive calamity" for the city's economic center. Many of those who worked in the market, most of whom are women, have been left devastated by the destruction.

Amina Ali, a meat seller at the Waheen market in Hargeisa, Somaliland, says that the damage caused by the recent fire continues to affect the community. "Today, our situation is at its worst," says Ali. "Waheen is at the heart of everything in Hargeisa and now it's all gone to waste. Nobody is coming to help us. We don't have anyone, we only have God." The fire has had a ripple effect on Ali's family and neighbors, and the extent of the damage is difficult to quantify. Ayaan Salaad Mohamed, who ran a beauty services business at the market, adds that smaller businesses like hers are not a priority. Despite asking for help, Mohamed says that little has been done by the federal government, which promised financial assistance.

"Nobody knows how this has impacted us," says Ayaan Salaad Mohamed, a small business owner at the Waheen market in Hargeisa, Somaliland. "We weren't rich people, but we would make enough money to get through our daily affairs. Our life has taken a drastic turn, but we will work with whatever God provides." Mohamed has seven people who rely on her financially, including her widowed mother, and is now trying to sell fruit in order to make ends meet. Due to the damage caused by the fire, people have not been able to return to the market to search for any goods that may have survived the flames.

How We Helped

The $50,000 in funds provided by the Riyo Raac Foundation (RRF) to support those affected by the fire in the Waheen market in Hargeisa, Somaliland was a valuable resource for those impacted by the disaster. The funds can be used to cover a variety of needs, including:

1. Emergency assistance: The funds can be used to provide immediate assistance to those who have been displaced by the fire, such as temporary housing, food, and other basic necessities.

2. Rebuilding and repair: The funds can be used to help cover the costs of rebuilding businesses and homes that were damaged or destroyed in the fire. This can help those affected by the fire to return to a sense of normalcy and resume their livelihoods as soon as possible.

3. Mental health support: The trauma of experiencing a disaster such as a fire can have a significant impact on mental

health. The funds can be used to provide mental health support and counseling to those affected by the fire.

4. Long-term assistance: The funds can be used to provide ongoing assistance to those affected by the fire, such as financial support for education or job training, to help them rebuild their lives in the long term.

Overall, the $50,000 in funds provided by RRF were a valuable resource for those affected by the fire in the Waheen market, helping to alleviate suffering and provide a pathway to recovery and rebuilding.

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