The couple inspiring young Somalis to marry

MOGADISHU—A couple in Somalia decided to tie the knot in their Mogadishu camp in what is believed to be the most publicised cost-effective marriage ceremony in the horn of African nation plagued by lavish ceremonies.

Mohamed Noor and Huda Omar tied the knot last week in Rajo camp in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. PHOTO/ REUTERS

Mohamed Noor and Huda Omar conducted the ceremony last week in Rajo camp in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

Rajo means hope in the Somali language and the camp houses thousands of Somalis that fled clan fighting and Al Shabab insurgency in other parts of the country.

“We have loved each other for a very long time,” the 20-year-old groom who has only ever lived in the camp told BBC Africa.

“I could not afford to build a house and marry her, so my mother helped with the little money she had.”

  Huda, the bride, left her parent’s home and will now live in a small shack, divided into a bedroom and eating area.

“Life is about who you marry, not the type of home you live in,” she confidently said.

She adds, “I love him and I hope we will have children and I will be able to educate them.”

There has been a worrying level of youth joblessness in Somalia since 1991 when dictator Siayd Barre regime came crumbling down.

Most young men do not have reliable income to support their families, leaving women and children vulnerable.

“If I get a good job, I will save my money and open a shop for my wife so she can become a trader,” Mohamed said.

Photos of Mohamed and Huda sited on their matrimonial bed was widely shared on Social media for the better part of late last week and early this week.

The ceremony has since overshadowed the IGAD Summit in Mogadishu attended by the heads of states from IGAD member countries, among them Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. It’s the first time such a high level conference was held in Mogadishu.