The day seems to be getting brighter in Somalia districts that bore the brunt of fanaticism under the al-Shaabab militants as former residents return to savour the new feeling of freedom.
Al-Shabaab surprisingly withdrew from their strongholds in the capital on the morning of August 6, and the city has been slowly waking to the new realities even as residents remain cautious over the threat posed by remnants of the fundamentalist group.
Women in any conflict situation are often the worst hit, but over the weekend a gathering of 300, also joined by social workers and government officials gathered in the district of Bondhere, a former al-Shabaab base to take stock.
The festivities were organised by the Centre for Community Dialogue, a local not-for-profit that strives to forge understanding among war-torn communities in Mogadishu.
"Thanks Allah our district is free from the callous clutches of the fanatical Islamists," said area district commissioner, Abullahi Hersi Wardhere.
"I see this reunion as a thanksgiving to the Almighty,” he added.
"This congregation named as Maxaan waayo badan u soo joogay (Let us let it out) is intended to give the participants an opportunity to share experiences upon coming back to their neighbourhoods," said Mr Warsame Mohamed Hassan, Mogadishu's deputy mayor.
Fled area
Most people fled the district some two years ago when it became the epicentre of al-Shabaab offenses aimed at capturing Villa Somalia, the state house.
