In Mogadishu, the reconstruction of a stadium that has witnessed both the country's ups and downs over the years has begun. Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new redevelopment, expressed the hope that the project would become a catalyst for the country's rebirth.

Sport as a unifying tool

The stadium redevelopment project involves the renovation of the football pitch, the construction of basketball courts and the creation of modern swimming and athletics facilities. The investment is being supported by local businesses owned by young Somalis, further underlining its importance for the future of the country.

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The rebuilding of Mogadishu's stadium will enhance the beauty of the city, create employment opportunities for young people and boost both the economy and tourism said Prime Minister Barre at the inauguration ceremony. He stressed that the project has a much broader dimension than simply renovating the sports infrastructure. It is a step towards rebuilding the social fabric of Somalia he - he added.

From national pride to a symbol of destruction

Mogadishu's stadium, built in the 1970s, was for decades a venue for sporting but also cultural events, becoming a symbol of national pride. However, with the fall of the government in 1991 and the outbreak of civil war, its role changed drastically.

During the conflict, the stadium was completely destroyed and repeatedly occupied by various military forces. At the beginning of the 21st century, the venue was a base for Ethiopian troops and between 2009 and 2011 it was taken over by the al-Shabaab movement, which further deteriorated its technical condition. From 2012 to 2018, the stadium served as a strategic base for African Union (Amisom) peacekeepers in support of stabilisation operations in Somalia.

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Culture, sport and hope for the future

The renaissance of the Mogadishu stadium is part of a wider cultural transformation taking place in Somalia. In a country divided by decades of conflict and clan divisions, sport is playing an increasingly important role in the process of rebuilding national unity. Football and other sports have the potential to bring people together across divides and create a sense of community.

This stadium will serve not only as a place to play sport, but also as a place where people come together, stresses Prime Minister Barre. Its reopening, with the financial support of the European Union, was the first step in the renovation process. The current work aims to transform the facility into a modern sports and cultural centre that will be a symbol of a resurgent Somalia.

Unusual opening in 2020

In 2020, Mogadishu, with a population of more than 2.5 million, will hold a symbolic opening of the stadium. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed kicked the first ball on the renovated pitch, also lighting the Olympic torch. He was accompanied by the Minister of Sport, as well as the president of the national football association. On that day, Somalia's two leading clubs - Horseed SC and Mogadishu City Club - played a friendly match. Although only the VIP area was open for spectators, the event was of great significance. For the first time in 16 years, the stadium returned to its sporting function.

Unfortunately, even exceptional security measures, such as a 5km security ring, failed to prevent an incident. During the post-match interviews, mortar shells fell into the stadium, interrupting the broadcast and forcing the audience to evacuate. Damage after that incident appeared to be minimal.