MOGADISHU, Somalia – The capital city of Somalia, Mogadishu, is witnessing a revival as it embraces new recreational facilities, such as the country's first modern bowling alley, the Feynuus Bowling Center. This development is a significant shift for a city long defined by civil war, insurgency, and violence that led to millions fleeing and a decade marked by instability and fear.
Years of struggle shaped Mogadishu into one of the world's most dangerous cities, dominated by the militant group al-Shabab, which targeted public spaces and waged an ongoing insurgency against the state. However, improved security measures, an expanded government presence, and increasing private investments have rolled back the tide of violence, allowing a semblance of normalcy and daily life to return. Cafes have reopened, beaches attract evening crowds, and traffic congestion, once a rare sight, has now become commonplace at major intersections.
The Feynuus Bowling Center, which opened in 2022, has quickly become a popular attraction for locals and returning Somalis from the diaspora, who bring investment and new business ideas from abroad. On a recent evening, the bowling alley was filled with laughter and music, as young Somalis filmed each other enjoying recreational activities. Hudoon Abdi, a Somali-Canadian visiting for the first time, expressed her surprise, stating, "I couldn’t believe Mogadishu has this place," and she encouraged others to visit, emphasizing that "Mogadishu is actually safe."
Despite the ongoing threat of militant attacks, which necessitate security measures like checkpoints and guarded areas, the ability of residents to gather in recreational spaces marks a notable psychological shift. Such venues cater to a younger generation eager for meaningful social interactions. Abukar Hajji, who returned to Mogadishu after many years in the United Kingdom, shared his changed perception of the city, saying, "I believed it was a scary place, but when I came and saw it with my own eyes, I didn’t want to leave."
Sadaq Abdurahman, the manager of the bowling center, emphasized the growing demand for recreational facilities among the youth, noting that the venue has created jobs for at least 40 individuals. The Somali National Bureau of Statistics reports the country's unemployment rate at 21.4%, highlighting the significance of these new job opportunities.
The bowling center implements safety protocols, including private security, bag checks, and surveillance cameras, reflecting the precautions typical at public venues in Mogadishu. Experts in urban planning and economics argue that such establishments represent a broader recovery trend in Mogadishu, where private sector growth is increasingly complementing international aid and governmental rebuilding initiatives.
Ahmed Khadar Abdi Jama, an economics lecturer at the University of Somalia, noted that innovative businesses are addressing the recreational needs of returning diaspora and the burgeoning middle class. This shift is expected to positively affect Somalia's GDP, indicating a potential economic resurgence in the coming years.
As the evening comes alive outside the bowling alley, the bustling traffic and flickering neon signs serve as stark reminders of Mogadishu's delicate transformation, reflecting both the challenges and the hopes that lie ahead for the city and its resilient inhabitants.
