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Mogadishu’s Jazeera Palace Hotel reopens four months after attack

Storyline:National News

Beaten but not broken. Such is the story of Mogadishu’s hotel industry. One of resilience and strength in the face of adversity; a determination and optimism to defeat terror.

Jazeera Palace Hotel like many other luxury hotels dotting the capital city Mogadishu, has borne the weight of terror activities having been hit by terrorists, on 26 July 2015, for the symbolism it holds, for the town’s restoration.

Today however, Jazeera stood stoic as the city of Mogadishu welcomed its re-opening, four months after the terror attack that destroyed its exterior. The reopening ceremony was attended by among other dignitaries, the government ministers, federal members of parliament, diplomats from several embassies in Mogadishu as well as the business community.

The message from the hotel’s management to the people of Somalia was full of encouragement. The hotel’s manager Justus Kisaulu said the rebuilding of the hotel goes to show the resilience and determination of the Somali people, to overcome terrorism.

“The hotel stands as a symbol of resilience of the Somali business community and a symbol of Mogadishu’s economic resurrection. Our message is that Somalia is open for business, Mogadishu is open for business and the Jazeera Palace Hotel, is open for business,” said Kisaulu.

Somalia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dahir Mohamud Gelle said the re-construction of hotels destroyed by Al Shabaab is the strongest message, the Somali people can send to terrorists.
“Months ago, this place was ablaze, people were in shock. And it was a sign meant to scare people into fleeing from the country. Today, it is a place that attracts people to come to, it encourages people to come. And that shows a message from the Somalis that Al Shabaab decided to destroy and kill and people of Somalia decided to build and live,” he said.

The Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jinaale said Jazeera was one of the most favourite in the hospitality industry, for many visitors in Somalia.
“Jazeera hotel is the place Somali authorities and even foreigners come to and choose to stay. The President of the Federal Government of Somalia chose to stay at Jazeera when he was first appointed. The Chinese ambassador also chose to stay here, Qatar ambassador also chose here. I chose to stay here following appointment,” the Mayor added.

With the grand reopening of Jazeera Palace Hotel, the the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people have another feature in their cap.