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In pictures: Mogadishu rebuilds

Somalia’s capital looks to the future after decades of war and failed governance.

Workers bear the responsibility of helping Mogadishu return to a semblance of "normal life", following decades of violence across Somalia.
By Ahmed Mahmoud
Published On 3 May 2013

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Mogadishu, Somalia – Labourers have replaced armed fighters across much of this city, as a nervous calm spreads in the wake of the departure of the notorious al-Shabaab.

Workers here struggle with bags of cement and plaster as they repair damaged buildings and embark on new construction projects.

After decades of war, the capital is shattered, and there is plenty of work to do.

Construction in Somalia(***)s capital has restarted in the wake of al-Shabaab(***)s exit.
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Workers have replaced gunmen in Mogadishu(***)s high-rises.
Th expansion in building has driven employment opportunities in the war-torn city of around 1.3 million people.
The rebuilding of the construction industry has positive knock-on effects for other trades, including the production and transport of raw materials.
Ancient buildings are being patched up, while new buildings are also breaking ground.
Schools, hospitals, hotels and homes are being built during the relative calm, which residents hope will last indefinitely.
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The sounds of construction can be heard day and night across the city.