DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Hargeisa War Memorial

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°4
Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)

Weather…

The Hargeisa War Memorial is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Somaliland, serving as a poignant reminder of the painful history of the struggle for independence. The memorial consists of a pedestal upon which a real MiG-17 fighter jet from the Somali Air Force is mounted. It was erected to commemorate the brutal aerial bombardments of Hargeisa carried out by the Siad Barre regime in 1988. These attacks led to the near-total destruction of the city and resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. The aircraft featured on the monument was one of the jets that crashed during the conflict. The sides of the pedestal are adorned with spirited murals depicting scenes of suffering, resistance, and the ultimate victory of the people. For the citizens of Somaliland, this site is a sacred memorial to the victims of the genocide and a powerful symbol of national sovereignty. Located in the heart of Hargeisa's business district, the memorial is an essential stop for visitors seeking to understand the region's history and its quest for self-determination.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Oct, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C182022232424232323222018
Rain mm4624814128365856321814

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Hargeisa War Memorial is located in a central square and is freely accessible during the daytime. Due to the security situation, it is always recommended to hire a local guide.
🕒
Typical hours
As a public monument, it is typically accessible at any time during the day. The best time for photos is early morning when the light is especially favorable.
📷
Photography
Photography of the crashed MiG-17 jet and the monument is generally allowed and encouraged. Be mindful of military personnel nearby and avoid photographing sensitive areas.
⏱️
Time needed
A typical visit lasts between 20 and 30 minutes to read the inscriptions and view the jet. Combine it with a stroll through the surrounding square for a longer experience.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Hargeisa Cultural Center and the local market. The war memorial is close to other historical sites in the city center.
🧭
Getting there
The memorial is within walking distance from Hargeisa city center. A taxi from the airport or central bus station will drop you off directly at the square.
💡
Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Carry water and sun protection as shade is limited around the monument.

Geography

Coordinates
9.56050, 44.06250

Facts

  • The monument was erected in the center of Independence Square.
  • The aircraft on display is a Soviet-made MiG-17 fighter jet.
  • The 1988 bombardment is often referred to as the 'Hargeisa Holocaust.'
  • The murals on the pedestal were created by local Somali artists.
  • The memorial is a central location for May 18th independence celebrations.
  • It is regarded as one of the most photographed objects in Somaliland.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

HargeisaHargeisa<1 km · WExplore →
Laas Geel Rock ArtLaas Geel Rock Art10 km · NExplore →
Ayaha ValleyAyaha Valley12 km · EExplore →
Monterosso al MareMonterosso al Mare12 km · NEExplore →
LevantoLevanto13 km · NExplore →
VernazzaVernazza13 km · NEExplore →
CornigliaCorniglia13 km · NEExplore →
BonassolaBonassola14 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hargeisa War Memorial (4)

tec power plant dab damiska(doox)🌿 nature

An observation point overlooking the local power plant infrastructure near the city's fire station and valley area.

tec power plant ( geeska africa )🌿 nature

A viewpoint offering sights of the Geeska Africa power plant facilities in Hargeisa.

533455🌿 nature

Situated within the Hargeisa urban area, this elevated viewpoint provides panoramic sights across the surrounding city blocks.

War Memorial (MIG)📍 landmark

This prominent monument in central Hargeisa features a real MiG fighter jet mounted on a plinth to commemorate the Somali Civil War.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Hargeisa War Memorial accessible?
The memorial is located in a public space and can be viewed from the outside at any time.
Is it allowed to enter the memorial grounds?
Yes, you can approach the memorial directly for photos.
How much time should one allocate?
A visit usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Is the memorial accessible?
The area is flat and walkable, but there are no specific accessible paths.
Is photography allowed at the memorial?
Yes, photography is allowed, but respectful behavior is required.
Hargeisa War Memorial: where is it located?
Hargeisa War Memorial is located in Somalia.
Hargeisa War Memorial: what is there to see?
Highlights include tec power plant dab damiska(doox), tec power plant ( geeska africa ), 533455.
Hargeisa War Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Oct, Nov.
Hargeisa War Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
The Hargeisa War Memorial is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Somaliland, serving as a poignant reminder of the painful history of the struggle for independence.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Somalia →

Nearby cities

Hargeisa — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Hargeisa
A bustling metropolis in the north serving as the administrative seat of the Woqooyi Galbeed region, known for its vibrant markets.
Berbera — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Berbera
A historic and modern deep-sea port serving as a major gateway for international trade on the Gulf of Aden.
Gabiley — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Gabiley
Gabiley is often referred to as the breadbasket of the northern territories and is characterized by lush green fields.

History & landmarks

Hargeisa Grand Mosque — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Hargeisa Grand Mosque
The central place of worship in Hargeisa, distinguished by its twin white minarets.
Hargeisa Presidential Palace — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Hargeisa Presidential Palace
The heavily fortified administrative headquarters and official residence of the Somaliland government.
Laas Geel — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Laas Geel
Remarkable Neolithic rock art in cave complexes, considered among the best-preserved in Africa.
Berbera Lighthouse — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Berbera Lighthouse
A historic navigational aid guiding ships into the deep-water port of Berbera for generations.
Berbera Ottoman Mosque — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Berbera Ottoman Mosque
A well-preserved mosque built during the Ottoman Empire's control of the coastal city of Berbera.

Nature

Ayaha Valley — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Ayaha Valley
A dry river valley in the Woqooyi Galbeed region.

More places

Somaliland Beverage Industries — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Somaliland Beverage Industries
A major beverage company in Hargeisa producing bottled water and soft drinks for the local market.
Hargeisa Packaging Factory — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Hargeisa Packaging Factory
An industrial company that produces cardboard boxes and packaging materials for local producers to prepare their goods for the market.
Hargeisa City Park — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Hargeisa City Park
A central spot in Hargeisa with green areas for children.
Hargeisa Zoo — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Hargeisa Zoo
A small zoo in the city showcasing local animal species.
Hargeisa Flour Mill — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Hargeisa Flour Mill
A large flour mill processing imported wheat into flour to support the region's food security.
Laas Geel Rock Art — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Laas Geel Rock Art
Ancient rock paintings depicting cattle, humans, and dogs in vivid colors.
Awbarkhadle Shrine — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Awbarkhadle Shrine
The tomb of a prominent Islamic scholar from the 13th century.
Ayaha Plains — Hargeisa War Memorial (Somalia)
Ayaha Plains
Vast plains with sparse vegetation.