Mogadishu sees rising tourism despite security risks

Despite official travel warnings from foreign ministries regarding the risk of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and robberies, tourism in Mogadishu is seeing an increase. According to the Somali Ministry of Tourism, approximately 10,000 visitors entered the country recently, doubling the figures from the previous year, though many are members of the Somali diaspora.

Visitors often require armed security escorts to navigate the capital. The security situation remains complex due to the ongoing conflict with the Al-Shabaab militia, an Al-Qaeda-linked group that maintains control over much of the rural areas and has recently moved closer to the capital. While Mogadishu was once among the most frequently attacked cities in the world, the frequency of major attacks has decreased compared to five years ago.