I visited Kismaio five years ago this summer. For those of you who may not familiar with Kismaio, allow me to give you a brief tour: Kismaio is home to one of Somalia’s most ancient civilizations. Diverse, dynamic populations scattered across the coastal city, home of farmers, pastoralists, and fishers. It is currently the administrative city for the Jubaland Regional State of Somalia.
We landed mid-morning, so the traffic was a bit high. We got our luggage checked and proceeded to our destination and went directly to my car waiting at the outside parking of the airport. I only asked myself why the airport was named Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan; yes, he was a Somali hero; he fought for Somalia and against colonialism; but why Kismayo airport but not Mogadishu, Garowe, or Dolow? I assumed because of lineage, but I am still asking myself if there are indigenous Kismayo heroes who exist deserved to be named the airport rather than Sayid Mohamed, who fought British colonists than Italy in Kismayo.
The last time I visited, households with running tap water were limited to specific central areas. Now, running water is everywhere, motor engine wells from groundwater supply most homes. Security has improved, and light rain making the weather cooler. A big challenge, however, is the high electricity cost, making it unaffordable for many businesses.
I applaud the business people for promoting greening in the city. Hotels appear to be competing on which is greener than the other. Mainstream hotels that enjoy popularity among travelers include: Agan, Makka, Mamus and Madina ex Asasay, which are green and have plenty of trees planted, which encourages guests to sit long, take a deep breath, and enjoy nature.
Ex Cascasey Hotel with Mohamed Artan Looh Press founding Director and Bashir Hussien agri consultant.
infrastructure is improved; main roads were built, which makes transports easier to the city, and the sewage system of the city, is going on its building.
Security is very high, no alert, no fear to threat or any violation, police are at every checkpoint, stopping vehicles for checking and doing their work fairly well. I drove around the city and I, was stopped at regular checkpoints for checking and was told to proceed after every brief stop.
Of course all is not perfect. For instance, it is very common to overhear people alleging that job opportunities within the local government system are not inclusive and claims of high nepotism among officials, but overall peace prevails and the population appear to be wanting to maintain that. It is also common to hear people jokingly use ‘Sayidka’ which is a pseudo-name that is given to the State President Ahmed Madobe.
Kismayo Liido Beach tour
People do not talk about politics; I don’t know if it is their choice or there is a circumstance that forces them, but they are apolitical, which I personally like, as no one ever gains anything by talking about such dirty, clannish Somali politics.
Kismaio is in it is stable days, from warlords to Shabab to Ahmed, who has absolute power in the city.
I had fun with my friends, my family, and Eid holiday there. I went to Liido Beach, a very beautiful beach, and swam while it was raining. I also visited Goobweyn, a natural and historic agricultural land 7 miles away from the city, where you see the river and the sea at once. Soothing sound of birds relieves stress and stabilizes the mood. The area is famous for its fresh coconut juice often drunk from the pod.
Time with family: Mohamed Jeyte my elder brother and Abdullahi Jeyte my young brother.