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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is Mogadishu safe?

158 replies

ChamonixMountainBum · 13/03/2026 10:49

I know extremist group al-Shabaab are known for instigating bombings and the odd kidnapping and other armed militia are not shy of robbery and murder but I hear the beaches are really nice. I suffer anxiety but want to step outside of my comfort zone.

OP posts:
BishyBarnyBee · 13/03/2026 14:30

Isittimeformynapyet · 13/03/2026 14:19

But look at the fun we're having.

Yeah. Sorry, sense of humour fail, ignore me.

SpringWithWinterWeather · 13/03/2026 14:21

Thelnebriati · 13/03/2026 11:27

This. Factor 2,000,000 will protect you from most bombs, given enough distance and the grease will make you harder to kidnap.

😂

Isittimeformynapyet · 13/03/2026 14:19

BishyBarnyBee · 13/03/2026 13:32

This post is what the report button is for. With the handy option of the "not a genuine poster" button. In the absence of a "total twat" button.

But look at the fun we're having.

Isittimeformynapyet · 13/03/2026 14:16

Thereissnowinmywellies · 13/03/2026 13:02

Do peeps really believe this is a serious thread??😀

Not many, but there's always a few over earnest souls.

DappledThings · 13/03/2026 14:15

BishyBarnyBee · 13/03/2026 13:32

This post is what the report button is for. With the handy option of the "not a genuine poster" button. In the absence of a "total twat" button.

Raises the question of how one determines the difference between trolling and attempted satire. I'd put this one in the latter camp which makes the not a genuine user report inaccurate.

TheHungryHungryLandsharks · 13/03/2026 14:10

The beaches are absolutely stunning there, particularly if barbed wire is your thing.

If you want to get out of your comfort zone, try Croydon on a Friday night.

InveterateWineDrinker · 13/03/2026 14:07

More seriously, on 7/7 my Mum rang in a blind panic because she knew that I always spent Thursdays in the London office (very close to Russell Square) and she'd seen on the news about a terror attack with multiple casualties.

I was, in fact, perfectly safe in the presence of several Johannesburg policemen because I'd just been carjacked there.

InveterateWineDrinker · 13/03/2026 14:04

Amabo · 13/03/2026 12:51

I’d definitely go, but have you considered Tehran? I hear it’s lovely in the Spring.

Tehran IS lovely in the Spring... it's the Nowruz festival next week and if you can get out into the countryside where all the wild flowers are in bloom it is stunning. Both of my Iranian friends tell me it's the best time to go.

Thereissnowinmywellies · 13/03/2026 14:03

BishyBarnyBee · 13/03/2026 13:32

This post is what the report button is for. With the handy option of the "not a genuine poster" button. In the absence of a "total twat" button.

We're allowed to talk stupidand have some fun on here why comment if you think it's puerile?
Scroll on by love.

Callalilly2016 · 13/03/2026 14:02

Thereissnowinmywellies · 13/03/2026 12:57

Mordor is quite hot this time of year, you'll need plenty of sun block and don't forget to keep a keen eye out for Mount Doom, well worth a visit provided you can run fast on the way down.

Don’t forgot the anti insect spray. I’m not entirely clear how effective it will be on spiders but I’m sure it’ll be fine.

AgnesX · 13/03/2026 13:59

WhoreDing · 13/03/2026 13:47

Worse beaches. Worse local leader.

I vote Mogadishu over Clacton.

The leader's never there and the food's probably a safe option too (in my defence I have no local knowledge).

Lemondrizzle4A · 13/03/2026 13:51

ChamonixMountainBum · 13/03/2026 10:49

I know extremist group al-Shabaab are known for instigating bombings and the odd kidnapping and other armed militia are not shy of robbery and murder but I hear the beaches are really nice. I suffer anxiety but want to step outside of my comfort zone.

Go if you must but do not expect the UK government to bail you out if you have problems.
Why do people go against FCO advice and then expect help. That applies to the couple from Sussex absolutely ridiculous.

Nicelynicelyjohnson · 13/03/2026 13:51

BishyBarnyBee · 13/03/2026 13:32

This post is what the report button is for. With the handy option of the "not a genuine poster" button. In the absence of a "total twat" button.

Did you report it?

I quite enjoy threads like this.

WhoreDing · 13/03/2026 13:47

AgnesX · 13/03/2026 13:36

If you're anxious Clacton's probably a less stressful option.

Worse beaches. Worse local leader.

I vote Mogadishu over Clacton.

MrsTerryPratchett · 13/03/2026 13:46

KillTheTurkey · 13/03/2026 12:09

Grin

A friend went to Rwanda for a humanitarian (maybe NGO?) job a good few years ago. She hid in her hotel room for a couple of nights and then arranged to get straight back on a flight home.

Rwanda actually is lovely. See the gorillas!

Depends on when she went!

SerendipityCat · 13/03/2026 13:43

BishyBarnyBee · 13/03/2026 13:32

This post is what the report button is for. With the handy option of the "not a genuine poster" button. In the absence of a "total twat" button.

Oh, I dunno. I think it’s quite fun, even though a few plonkers posters seem to be taking it seriously. There have been plenty of other, more blatant wind-ups which have been allowed to stand.

AgnesX · 13/03/2026 13:36

If you're anxious Clacton's probably a less stressful option.

Jamesblonde2 · 13/03/2026 13:35

Are you fucking kidding?! Shit hole and unsafe to boot.

BishyBarnyBee · 13/03/2026 13:32

This post is what the report button is for. With the handy option of the "not a genuine poster" button. In the absence of a "total twat" button.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 13/03/2026 13:27

Plus all the 'should I cancel my holiday to......' posts.

Agreed but to be fair there was a lot of poo-pooing when people were asking this in March 2020.

I do actually know someone who visited Mogadishu but he was part of the Italian navy and had a big gun. Did not recommend.

ParkingNightmares · 13/03/2026 13:24

Take a flak jacket and helmet and knock yourself out - dont forget to send a postcard

JuliettaCaeser · 13/03/2026 13:17

I’m gutted I didn’t make it to Russia. Kept nearly going then didn’t. Wouldn’t risk it now a friends relative was put in prison there on trumped up charges and I know my luck. DH is quite Mr Darcy like and would probably get me out but wouldn’t want to chance it.

PandoraSocks · 13/03/2026 13:17

HelpMeGetThrough · 13/03/2026 13:15

I would, we didn’t bother and our eldest now has 2 heads and 4 arms.

🤣

HelpMeGetThrough · 13/03/2026 13:15

Sskka · 13/03/2026 12:27

Fortunately we are thinking of July! For April (1986) we’ve booked Chernobyl Reactor 4. Should we take sunscreen?

I would, we didn’t bother and our eldest now has 2 heads and 4 arms.

Bjorkdidit · 13/03/2026 13:12

Sskka · 13/03/2026 12:27

Fortunately we are thinking of July! For April (1986) we’ve booked Chernobyl Reactor 4. Should we take sunscreen?

Now that's one place I'm genuinely sad I didn't get around to visiting while it was a possibility.