Back to Baidoa six years later

Ileft Baidoa in August 2018, just after finishing high school, to study at a university in Mogadishu. For the last six years, Mogadishu has been my home, and during this time, I’ve had the chance to travel to many cities across Somalia. Recently, I was excited to return to Baidoa, a place where I still have many friends, teachers, and relatives.

As soon as I landed, I noticed a crowd of people waiting in line to board the same plane I had just arrived on. While standing there, I unexpectedly spotted a familiar face—Abdifatah, a friend from my school days. We greeted each other warmly, and after catching up for a bit, he asked if I had already bought a bus ticket to the city. I told him I hadn’t, and he replied, “I have a car and I’m heading to the city. Follow me, and I’ll drop you off at your house.”

I was grateful for the ride and followed his car. As we drove, we chatted about our lives since school and discussed the changes in the city. We also stopped to speak with some students, both from the city and from the school, to hear about their experiences and perspectives.

As we drove through the city, I couldn’t help but notice how much Baidoa had changed. The city was growing fast, with construction happening everywhere. New buildings were going up, including the offices for the Southwest State ministries.

The rapid growth in Baidoa made it clear that the resources of Southwest State were being concentrated in this city. The changes were striking, and it made me reflect on how much has shifted in the years since I left.

Most of the roads in Baidoa have been improved, but the main road that passes through the city—crucial for local traffic—is in very poor condition. It is difficult to navigate, and I believe that repairing or upgrading this road should take priority over building additional roads.

Still, as I drove through the familiar streets, I also noticed that some things had remained the same. The people, the memories, and the sense of connection to this place were all still there. It was a powerful reminder of the bonds that tie us to our roots, no matter where life takes us.

During the two weeks that I stayed in the city, I visited relatives and met with classmates and friends. The most emotional moment was when I visited the house, I used to live in. Just staying in the house reignited dormant memories, and that afternoon, I remembered the good times I had in Baidoa. I realized I should return to Baidoa and Habare (my hometown) when I start writing my autobiography to revive my memories.

A businessperson has made a notable investment in green spaces in Baidoa, particularly in Baidoa City Park. Located at the far edge of the city, the park is expansive and offers a pleasant and scenic view, with two twin hills in the distance—one of which is Buurhakaba. Visitors can enjoy the stunning landscape while relaxing in the park. The park features various amenities, including halls, gaming areas, and a swimming pool. During my visit, I observed groups of young people with cameras, photographing one another. A dedicated section for children featured numerous entertainment facilities, making it an ideal space for families. It was truly remarkable to see such a well-maintained and impressive park in Baidoa. 

I spent a great time there with my friends Adan Amin and Abdiasis A. Kerow. We discussed a range of topics, from education and politics to light-hearted jokes, making for an enjoyable and memorable day. Apart from the parks and green spaces, I also thoroughly enjoyed the city’s food. A local restaurant near Bakiin Hotel offers unique and delicious local dishes, fresh camel milk, and addictive Somali tea.

One of the most memorable occasions was meeting with my high school classmates. Twenty-two former classmates (out of 48 in total) gathered in our town. The last time we met was in July 2018, during our school graduation. We took the opportunity to update each other on the different paths our lives had taken. We also prayed together for two students from our class who had passed away. Over the past six years, we managed to organize a few online group chats, but this was the first time we were able to meet in person. It was a unique and rare moment. I’m grateful that my friends gathered in honor of my visit to the city. It was interesting to see how much our physical appearances had changed in just six years.

I left Baidoa happy and hopeful. The people I met and what I saw in the city inspired me in many ways. The city has a bright future. Baidoa has shaped my life, and I was pleased to reconnect with relatives and friends. I feel great hope for the town in the years ahead.