Marka (PP News Desk) — Marka, the administrative capital of Lower Shabelle region, is gradually becoming a tourist destination. That is the impression formed by a group of visitors from Mogadishu. Visitors travelled to Marka by boat. Marka is one of the oldest districts in southern Somalia. It was established by the Banadiri community, who gave it the sobriquet Marka Caddeey Minan Aw Cismaan.
The civil war displaced inhabitants and resulted in a remarkable demographic change. “Our perception was that the city of Marka was less peaceful. Marka recovered from the civil war” said Mire Salad, one of the visitors. “A travel by sea is risky. We ask for the Government to open the road between Marka and Mogadishu” said another visitor.
Marka District Commissioner Abdullahi Wafow welcomed and hosted visitors in the western part of the district. “We wholeheartedly welcome visitors to Marka” said Mr Wafow. Visitors visited several places including Marka General Hospital and a primary school. Marka is a district under the jurisdiction of the South West State. “Original inhabitants of the district are marginalised in the South West State” said a Banadiri activist in Mogadishu.
In 2012 AMISOM and the Somali Forces liberated Marka from Al-shabaab. In 2016 Al-shabaab recaptured Marka briefly when Amisom and Somali Forces had vacated the town. The coastal district saw internecine clan wars during 1990s and 2000s before Al-shabaab had become the militant force battling for the control of Lower Shabelle.
The sea trip to Marka might trigger a demand for weekend voyages to a district known for pristine beaches.
© Puntland Post, 2020
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