Massive fire ravages Tog Wajaale market in Somaliland

A massive fire erupted at a key market in the border town of Tog Wajaale, Somaliland, on Saturday evening, destroying hundreds of shops and severely impacting businesses and trade.

The blaze raged on until early morning on Sunday as authorities struggled to contain it.

While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, unconfirmed reports suggest that it may have originated from a heap of burning refuse in a dry riverbed that runs through the city.

The inferno is the latest in a series of devastating market fires that have plagued Somalia’s northern region in recent months. In April 2023, the Waaheen Market in Hargeisa, Somaliland, was destroyed by fire, causing millions of dollars in damage. In July 2023, the “Taiwan” market in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, suffered a similar fate.

Experts attribute the escalating frequency of such incidents to inadequate urban planning, including poorly developed infrastructure and a lack of proper fire suppression equipment.

Although no casualties have been reported, the fire has forced hundreds of businesses to scramble to salvage goods. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is expected to be significant.

The Tog Wajaale market serves as a key business link between Somaliland and the Somali state region in Ethiopia. Its destruction is likely to have a profound impact on the economies of both regions.