Young Somali woman seeks to change how world views Mogadishu

Sucdi Abdul Fattah Abdul Khader, a 23‑year‑old Somali, is among a growing number of local guides taking visitors beyond the headlines to showcase Mogadishu’s attractions, according to the guide herself.

She highlights Jazeera beach as a favourite stop, where guests can enjoy the sea before heading to nearby sand dunes that some liken to the Sahara, and she also leads tours to the city’s fish market and historic districts that reflect its past as a bustling Indian Ocean trading centre under Ottoman and Italian rule. Visitors are offered the chance to taste Somali dishes such as camel meat, samosas and traditional tea during the excursions.

"It's one of the tourist attractions where we bring our guests. It's a nice place," the 23‑year‑old says. She adds that most tourists arrive expecting insecurity but are "surprised by how beautiful the country is and how welcoming people are". At the fish market, she notes, guests are particularly impressed by the variety of fish species on offer.