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Lido and al-Jazira beaches are emerging once again as popular attractions for Somali families and foreign relief workers following the liberation of Mogadishu from the grip of al-Shabaab.

In the 1980s, Mogadishu was among the top tourist destinations in Africa, with visitors coming to enjoy artistic and traditional performances, the moderate weather, and the city's famous cuisine.

All that stopped when the central government collapsed in 1991, and the country was subsequently destroyed by warring factions and terrorism for two decades.

But after Somali and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces liberated Mogadishu from al-Shabaab in December 2011, the local tourism industry started to return.

"We consider Lido Beach and al-Jazira among the most important tourist attractions for Somalis, due to their location on the northern and southern outskirts of the city, making them easy to reach by car," said Municipality of Mogadishu spokesman Mohamed Yusuf.

He said the local government has taken a number of precautionary measures to ensure the safety of visitors.

"We have two lifeboats ready for cases of drowning or [shark] attacks, and we also caution against raging waves in the Indian Ocean, which sometimes occur," Yusuf told Sabahi. "We also plan on requesting special jackets to protect against shark attacks."

Local merchant Rabile Mohamud told Sabahi there have been no unpleasant incidents recently while people walk around, swim or shop. He said he is thinking of setting up big umbrellas in the park so visitors can enjoy the fresh, gentle breeze.

Despite the overall improvements, the transitional government has yet to rehabilitate and develop the beaches to properly receive foreign tourists.

The grand Uruba Hotel, Jubba Hotel and al-Jazira restaurant were destroyed in the civil war, as were amusement parks and nightclubs, said General Hassan Mohamed Hussein, who heads the Somali military court.

Nonetheless, Hussein told Sabahi that government officials and foreigners can now swim, play football, and eat fresh fruit and grilled fish at al-Jazira Restaurant and Lido Beach without being accompanied by security guards.

Security improvements attract Somali tourists

Major Nur Abdirizaq, a member of the Abdiaziz neighbourhood police force, said security improvements have played a role in attracting a large number of Somali tourists.

"Everyone is moving freely. There have been no terrorist threats, which has attracted more and more families to visit the beach," he told Sabahi.

Abdirizaq said police have dispatched several officers to man joint checkpoints with the Somali army along the roads leading to Lido beach to provide the highest level of security for visitors.

"We have prevented any weapons from entering the beach to ensure everyone's safety," he said. "We have also banned cars being parked close to the beach to allow easy movement and access."

Luul Sabtow, 53, came from London to the al-Jazira Restaurant with her husband and three children. "Our happiness on national holidays is not complete unless we visit this area where we can find some services, which is wonderful," she told Sabahi.

Fartun Guure, 37, travelled from Hargeisa to spend Independence Day with her relatives and friends in Mogadishu. "In the past couple of months, Mogadishu has been witnessing huge changes in security, in addition to building and reconstruction. We can now hear the sound of hammers rather than live ammunition."

"Everyone is encouraging development and urbanisation efforts in Mogadishu and its coastal areas," Guure said. "We will organise field trips and visit all the tourist locations in Somalia after the terrorists are completely driven out."

Abukar Salad, a retired journalist, said, "There is nothing at Lido Beach to suggest security concerns. I took off some off my clothes and jumped into the waves of the Indian Ocean as I inhaled the sweet smell of fresh air."