By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 6 December 2025 – The Somali federal government on Friday officially reopened the Sabiid-Anole bridge in Lower Shabelle, which was destroyed by Al-Shabaab militants during the recapture of Sabiid and Anole villages by Somali and African Union forces last June.
The bridge is one of five key crossings over the Shabelle River that government forces, with support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), fought hard to capture. It connects strategic towns, facilitating the movement of people, livestock, and goods in farming areas, and enhancing links between local communities.
The bridge is located near the town of Afgoye, about 35 km southwest of Mogadishu. Officials said Turkey supported the rebuilding of the bridge.
More from Somalia
“Our Turkish partners played a prominent role in rebuilding this bridge, which is part of the ongoing effort to support local communities. The Sabiid-Anole bridge is a lifeline for farmers in the area,” Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said during the reopening of the vital bridge.
Speaking at the same event, Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali ‘Hosh’ said the reopening is part of ongoing stabilization efforts in areas liberated from Al-Shabaab.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Somali National Army Chief Khalid Mohamed Mohamed, AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma, and representatives from the Turkish Embassy.