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Signs of nightlife are slowly re-appearing in Mogadishu as residents openly discuss the political changes happening in the country at restaurants and cafes across the city.

After years of being afraid to venture out of their homes at night because of the lack of security, residents of the capital are witnessing dramatic changes -- main roads are bustling with activity and commercial shops are open until late at night.

Musa Abdi, who owns a pastry shop on Via Liberia, said he keeps his doors open until 11 pm now that the security situation has improved.

"When al-Shabaab used to control parts of the city, life would come to a complete standstill before sunset, as residents preferred to stay indoors and no one would dare leave their home," he told Sabahi. "Now, the situation has changed. Restaurants, bars and internet cafes are all open until midnight."

Abdi said customers come to his restaurant every evening to eat and talk about a variety of topics.

"Customers and their friends come and meet here every evening. They mainly discuss political topics, whereas in the past, discussions would revolve around the security situation and withdrawal of Islamist militants," he said. "No one currently discusses security issues since acts of violence have decreased and the security situation has significantly improved."

He said discussions these days focus on the presidential election, "which has been everyone's primary concern".

Businesses open until midnight

Abdihakim Mohamed, who owns an internet café in central Mogadishu, said his business is also open until 11 pm, while others stay open until midnight to service people who want to stay in touch with family and friends outside Somalia.

"In addition to internet cafes offering recreation and entertainment, they are also a cost effective means of communication for people with lower incomes who want to stay in touch with their friends and relatives abroad," he said.

Mohamed said nightlife is flourishing in the heart of the city as a result of security improvements, particularly in Hodan, Waberi, Hamar Jajab and Hamar Weyne districts.

"The only thing that Somalis need is security. When security conditions improve, they can do everything else themselves," he said.

Yasin Abshir, 19, said he goes to the cinema near his house almost daily, returning after midnight without fear. "I prefer to take advantage of my free time and go watch films at the cinema since it is a different experience and offers a source of entertainment," he said.

"Things have changed in a surprising way," he told Sabahi. "Now, you can go to ice cream shops, cinemas, internet cafes and barbershops, all of which have recently remained open for business at night."

Nonetheless, Abshir said fear has not completely left Mogadishu. "Although the city is not 100% safe, as assassinations carried out by gunmen frequently occur, it has not been a constant source of concern for me," he said.

"Many things have changed in Mogadishu as people are able to lead normal lives day and night," Mohamud Salad, the owner of a supermarket on Via Roma, told Sabahi.

Salad keeps his market open until 10 pm. "The residents of Mogadishu are now able to lead a relatively peaceful existence and the streets and markets are bustling during the evening," he said.

He said he is hopeful that the political transition will bring further stability to the country, adding that the future for Somalia looks very bright after two decades of civil war.

"I hope that peace will continue in Mogadishu," Salad said. "I pray for safety and stability throughout the country and that Somalia avoids slipping into chaos once again."