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Feature: Somali capital celebrates New Year amid tight security

Xinhua, January 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Residents in Somali capital Mogadishu on Friday ushered in the New Year in pomp and colour as revelers thronged popular hotels in the city amid tight security over fears of terrorist attacks.

Mogadishu has had a rough ride throughout 2015 with dozens of people killed in terror attacks by the Al-Qaeda linked militant group Al-Shabaab, mainly in hotels, but residents seem to have thrown caution to the air to welcome a new year which they hope will bring with it good tidings.

Despite its rather conservative nature and secular celebrations, Mogadishu this year came to life as music bands entertained hundreds of residents marking the start of another year.

"I hope that 2016 will be a year for me to achieve my dreams and that our country will experience lasting peace. I am happy to join my friend in welcoming the New Year," Fatuma Jama, a resident in Mogadishu, told Xinhua as he enjoyed the band performance on stage in a city hotel.

For Jama, going out at night to attend a performance is an achievement worth celebrating in itself.

"We could not imagine a day like this when we could go out and join in such celebrations," said Jama.

This year's celebration is a reminder of the improving security situation in Mogadishu following the pushing out of Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu by the African Union in 2012.

The celebration also attracted fans from far and wide around the country.

"I travelled from a town very far from Mogadishu to attend the New Year celebrations. I wish all my friends a happy new year," said a jovial and elated Hassan Abdullahi.

With many security checks and military personnel both from the National Army and AMISOM securing the city, residents are confident the New Year celebrations will be a sign of change in Somalia.

"I am happy because the security situation has significantly improved. I have seen many security personnel stationed in various parts of the city and this gives us an assurance that we can join the rest of the world in these celebrations without fear of attack," said Ilham Abdinor, another reveler.

However, some parts of the country, particularly, in central Somalia, which still remain largely under tight control of Al-Ahabaab, may not enjoy the freedom like their counterparts in Mogadishu.

Nevertheless, the year 2016 in Somalia brings with it signs of change as the country prepares to adopt a new constitution and subsequently go to the polls in August. The term of the current administration ends in August to pave way for election of members of parliament who will in turn select a president.

Meanwhile, both AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and UN Support Office in Somalia are starting the New Year with new heads who will be expected to provide security and state building support to the government as Somalia emerges from years of destruct. Enditem