On 2 April, a massive fire tore through Waaheen Market in Hargeisa, Somaliland, destroying thousands of shops in the heart of the city’s economy. Fueled by flammable goods and inadequate safety infrastructure, the blaze raged for over 40 hours. Though no lives were lost, the economic damage was staggering estimated at $1.5 to $2 billion. The market supported over 75% of the city’s population through direct and indirect employment, making the fire the worst economic catastrophe in Somaliland’s recent history. Despite heroic efforts by an under-resourced fire department led by Lt-Gen Sawaahil, the incident highlighted long-standing issues lax building regulations, poor wiring, and neglect by municipal authorities. International messages of sympathy poured in, and Somaliland launched a global appeal for support.