By Shire Abdi - Reporter
MGADISHU, Somalia — A fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday in parts of Bakaaraha Market, one of Mogadishu's largest commercial centres, causing property damage whose full extent has yet to be officially assessed.
Witnesses who spoke to Dawan said the fire started at a restaurant near the area known as Abdalla Shideeye, before spreading to commercial premises located in two-storey buildings in the surrounding area.
Businesses affected by the fire included clothing storage warehouses, electronics shops and the restaurant believed to be where the blaze began.
Some witnesses said the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, although the official cause has not yet been confirmed. No deaths or injuries have been reported, while the value of the property destroyed or damaged remains unknown.
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Firefighting vehicles arrived at the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control several hours later.
Somalia's state broadcaster reported that authorities are investigating the incident to determine the official cause of the fire, which damaged several businesses and properties in the market.
Bakaaraha Market has experienced similar fires in the past, with previous incidents causing significant property losses. In late 2025, another major fire broke out in parts of the market, particularly in the area known as Suuqa Daawada.