A glimpse of life beyond Mogadishu’s security zone – in pictures
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Outside the heavily fortified compounds at Aden Adde airport, Somalia’s capital is one of the most dangerous places in the world, off limits to most foreigners and a risky place for Somali government officials. In a rare trip by foreign journalists, the Guardian captured the everyday vibrancy of the beach, parks, gyms and cafes that are flourishing in the ancient city
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Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa and the Liido beach, pictured here in front of the Elite hotel, is the jewel of Mogadishu – a popular place for evening strolls and children’s games
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A popcorn seller carries a machine to his stall for the evening’s business at Liido beach
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As the afternoon stretches into evening, people come to walk on the warm sand of Liido beach to watch the sunset and visit the snack vendors
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Small fishing boats at Liido beach offer families trips out to sea as well as selling their day’s catches
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Renting lifebelts is a popular way for less confident swimmers to brave the gentle waves
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Boys playing football after school in the late afternoon
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World Cup matches are shown on a big screen on the terrace of the Elite hotel
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In the centre of the city is the quiet Peace Garden, a popular spot for celebrations and student graduation parties
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A young boy sitting outside the children’s play park in the Peace Garden. It is about a 12-minute walk to the Villa Rose hotel, where the day after this photo was taken, an attack by al-Shabaab militants left nine people dead
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People talking in the Peace Garden
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The final preparations for a wedding in the Peace Garden
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A group of students taking photographs of each other to post on social media
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A gym near the Peace Garden gets busier as the sun goes down
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It is dangerous for non-Somalians to move around Mogadishu. Most embassy, UN and NGO staff are prohibited from travelling around the city, remaining instead within a heavily guarded security zone around Aden Adde airport. Attacks by al-Shabaab have increased as the president has ramped up an offensive against them and the areas of Somalia they control. Many of these street vignettes were photographed from within a security-escorted vehicle
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Tuk-tuks, three-wheeled taxis, are the most popular mode of transport around the city
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Hand-painted shop signage brings colour and vibrancy to Mogadishu’s streets
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New coffee houses and cafes have been springing up, bringing a sense of normal city life to the beleaguered capital
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A tuk-tuk repair shop
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Hand-painted shop and garage signage brings a unique character to the commercial part of the city
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A street in Mogadishu
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Advertising on a street in Mogadishu
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The city still has reminders of the past, and of the lack of development that has beset Somalia as it struggles with war and drought
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Sunset over the city
