Tragedy strikes as iconic lighthouse partially collapses in Mogadishu

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Tuesday May 9, 2023

Mogadishu, Somalia - Four lives were lost after the partial collapse of the historic Lighthouse in Mogadishu. This incident has sparked a wave of questions about the maintenance and preservation of the city's historic buildings and the displacement crisis that has left many seeking shelter in unoccupied spaces.

Mogadishu has long been a city of great significance, known for its beautiful waterfront and historic buildings. The Lighthouse, built in the early 1900s by Italians, was once a symbol of the city's prosperity. It stood as a beacon of hope, guiding ships safely into the harbor. However, the passage of time and a series of conflicts has now left much of Mogadishu's historic areas in ruins.

Today, Mogadishu is home to nearly 400,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Over one-third of the overall IDP population in Somalia has sought refuge in Mogadishu, with 55% concentrated in the city's peripheral districts. The displacement crisis has led to a growing number of people seeking shelter in unoccupied buildings, such as the Lighthouse, former government buildings, and the former Italian Catholic Cathedral.

The additional stress placed on these structures has increased their risk of partial or complete collapse. In the case of the Lighthouse, this risk became a reality, and tragically, four lives were lost. The incident has brought to light the need for proper maintenance and preservation of the city's historic buildings and the urgent need for solutions to the displacement crisis.

The Lighthouse was not only a historic building but also a symbol of hope for the people of Mogadishu. Its partial collapse has caused great sorrow and mourning for the lives lost and the loss of a piece of the city's heritage. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address the displacement crisis and ensure the preservation of Mogadishu's cultural heritage.

While the situation in Mogadishu may seem dire, there is hope for a better future. Many organizations are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by displacement and to support the preservation of the city's historic buildings. However, much more needs to be done, and the international community must continue to support these efforts.

The tragic incident at the Lighthouse in Mogadishu has brought to light the urgent need for action to address the displacement crisis and the preservation of the city's cultural heritage. It is a call to action for the international community to come together and support the people of Mogadishu in their time of need.

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