Photo | Maxamed Cabdiqaadir oo shaqadiisa ku guda jira/Sawir/Faadumo Taxadar
Abdikani Mohamed Siidey, 30, was among thousands who arrived in Bossaso from the refugee camps in Yemen two months ago. He spotted an opportunity and with a friend set up a small eatery near the camp where they stay.
“We cook all types of food that are needed here, especially by the low end customers,” Abdikani told Radio Ergo. “I normally cook fast foods that were previously unknown in this town. We learnt how to cook them in Yemen. People love our food so much!”
The eatery stays open until late and is a thriving small business.
Despite earlier thoughts of moving to stay with family in Mogadishu, Abdikani has decided to stay in Bosasso.
Mohamed Abdikadir, a father of four, arrived six months ago from Al Kharaz camp in Yemen where he had lived for 10 years. He started a grocery shop and is now earning $10 – $15 a day.
“The little I make is enough for my family’s upkeep, I am very happy to be back in my country where I can make a living with freedom,” Mohamed told Radio Ergo.
Bossaso has lost huge numbers of its young people to illegal migration over the last few years. Therefore the new crop of businessmen with ideas and energy could not arrive at a better time, according to some locals.
Muse Ali Jama, one of the educated people in the city, says they welcome the youth from Yemen who have introduced new ideas and businesses to the city.
“The youth came with a lot of skills such as construction, electrical work, equipment repair and general trade. They came from a more developed country and we tend to benefit from their expertise. We have to welcome and utilize them,” said Muse, urging local residents to make it easier for the refugees to integrate into the society
