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Feature: Night life in Somali capital sparkles under improved security

Xinhua, April 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

A group of men engaged in a hearty banter on Wednesday night as they enjoyed steamy African brewed tea at a restaurant along Mukka Al Mukarama Street in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

The smartly dressed men enjoyed their tea and their faces never revealed any worry about their safety as a biting chill enveloped Mogadishu and its suburbs.

Unlike previously when hanging outdoors in Mogadishu at night could send chills down the spine of many residents, the situation has now changed drastically as evidenced by the fun-seeking gentlemen.

The restaurant's proprietor, Abubakar Said conducted his business unperturbed and his confidence struck a chord with clients from all walks of life.

"We are proud that we can serve our customers until late at night. Majority of our clients come here to enjoy sumptuous meals, interact and transact business. They are very happy with our services," Said told Xinhua.

Said added that security worries which jolted investors and residents had slowly vanished as Somali and foreign troops maintain round-the-clock vigilance in Mogadishu to deter any terrorist attacks.

"Mogadishu is inching closer to becoming a 24-hour economy due to improved security that has injected fresh dose of confidence among investors," Said said.

Ordinary civilians agreed that degrading of Al-Shabaab's terrorist infrastructure by Somalia and foreign troops herald good tidings for the horn of African state.

"With improved street lighting and police patrols, we are able to while away in restaurants without fear," said Yasin, a customer at the restaurant along Mukka Al Mukarama Street.

He said that many residents of Mogadishu enjoy shopping at night since the streets and neighborhoods are very safe.

"Only recently, it was considered a crazy affair to venture into the streets of Mogadishu at night. The situation has changed and it is now possible to loiter in the streets any time of the night and return home safely," Yasin said.

Mogadishu streets are currently a beehive of activity during day and night as residents and visitors troop to restaurants and shopping malls to sample their favourite meals, clothes and luxury goods.

At a brightly colored confectionary shop called Sahan Sweets, shoppers had a field day as they purchased their favourite candy.

Sahan Sweets which opened to the public in 2014 stocks exotic candy and chocolate for the upwardly mobile Mogadishu population.

Abdurahman Dal-Rushe, the manager of Sahan Sweets told Xinhua well heeled Somalia people and foreigners form the bulk of his clients.

"Our goal has been to meet a huge demand for exotic candy in this city. The Somalia Diaspora who recently settled in Mogadishu are our main clients. They love exotic products ranging from candy and chocolate," said Dal-Rushe, adding that clients flock his shop even in the wee hour of the night

A female client at Sahan Sweets who recently returned back to Somalia after a lengthy sojourn in Canada told Xinhua she felt at peace while shopping late at night thanks to improved security in Mogadishu. Enditem