Friday, October 26, 2012
by: Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Muslims across the globe are marking the Islamic holiday of Eid Ul Adha or the feast of Sacrifice. Mogadishu residents are optimistic following the improved security situation in Mogadishu.
During Eid celebrations, Muslims sacrifice animals. The act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrificing of his son by God’s decree, before God provided Ibrahim with a ram to sacrifice instead.
Livestock traders tried to make a boom in theirs sales where one goat was traded for as much as $130. Traders argue that the high price was as a result of fewer animals for slaughter following a devastating drought in mid-2011 that claimed many livestock.
Cloth merchants in Mogadishu also reported high demand for clothes especially for children. The prices of clothes also skyrocketed as families tried to please their children by buying them a variety range of clothes and toys for celebrating Eid ul Adha.
It is also customary during Eid to remember those less fortunate, such as orphans, internally displaced persons and people still suffering from the effects of insecurity and hunger. The UN estimates that more than 7.5 million people in the Horn of Africa need food aid, but 2.5 million are in peril in the region of south-central Somalia.
With a new administration in place following the end of an eight year old transitional administration, Somalis are hopeful that the roads linking the regions of Somalia will be reopened and allow the flow of aid to the people recovering from the effects of the 2011 famine.
Mogadishu residents are able to visit their relatives and friends and celebrate Eid Ul Adha in the other towns of Afgoye, Balad, and Marka that were recently liberated by government forces with the support of the African Union troops.