By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia – On Tuesday, several people were injured and at least three people killed after an explosion in Bakara, Somalia’s main market, in the heart of the Mogadishu. Although the shop was believed to be selling arms, the government forces say the store was in fact a hideout for insurgents responsible for earlier attacks.

Many of the local traders believed the explosion began during a clash between government troops and insurgents around the former defense ministry building. Reports indicate the police were conducting search operations in the area. The subsequent fire began on Tuesday and spread rapidly to other shops. Many of the shops were reduced to ashes along with their products. Assistance was slow and ineffective due to a lack of fire equipment and insecurity.

Many of the people depend on the market for essential goods given that it is the only wholesale market in Somalia, a country ravaged by war and hunger. In a separate incident, one government soldier and one civilian were killed in three serial bomb explosions in the Gubta settlement in Mogadishu. These are just a series of unrelenting attacks against government and Ethiopian troops in which civilians are the victims.

In recognition of its dire condition, Somalia urged the world to increase aid for the thousands of people displaced due to persistent attacks by insurgents. Somali leaders have requested the deployment of more Arab and African  troops under the support of the U.N. Somalia believes their problem has been overshadowed by the conflict in Darfur and intervention hindered by the history of the “Black Hawk Down” battle.

Many countries rushed to pledge troops even though the troops pledged to Somalia earlier have not been fulfilled. Several African nations, like Congo and Kenya, have dubbed the Somali problem the “forgotten crisis” and have also urged the U.N and international community to do more.

For more information please see:

Reuters: Africa – Somalia Chides Nations at U.N. Over Slow Pace of Aid – 2 October 2007

BBC- Fire Engulfs main Somali Market – 3 October 2007

AllAfrica.com- Somalia: Explosion Leaves Three Civilians, One of them a Policeman – 4 October 2007