Mogadishu Approaches a ‘Tipping Point’
Jeffrey Gettleman enjoying Mogadishu’s Lido Beach. (Photo: Sven Torfinn)
Despite the ongoing violence in the Somali capital, New York Times correspondent Jeffrey Gettleman says on his most visit to Mogadishu he found a vibrant, hopeful city. Gettleman tells host Marco Werman that new investors like Turkey have pumped millions into the capital city, and Somali entrepreneurs have a greater stake in maintaining stability.
“Buildings are going up, people are fixing up homes, the roads are being fixed and cleaned up, there are street lights,” says Gettleman. “So you get the sense that people are trying to reclaim this city from the rubble.”
Gettleman says he doesn’t think recent al-Shabab bombings will derail the momentum for change because Mogadishu has arrived at a “tipping point”. He offers snapshots of a city returning to life.
“There’s a big beach now that’s open on Fridays. And there are thousands of people swimming in the water, playing soccer on the sand, selling Popsicles and things like that. It’s really remarkable.”
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.