The economist this week reported on what is possibly the world's hardest job, that of the Minister of Tourism for Somalia.
Abdi Jimale Osman is ever optimistic though, despite the country not having had any officially acknowledged tourists in 14 years.
As he says
“Tourists can still go and see the former beautiful sights, the only problem is they're all totally destroyed.”
Mr Jimale is hopeful that the national parks can be rebuilt with help from donors, but aside from the problem that they are mostly in areas the government has no control over:
“Most of the animals have disappeared too,” he concedes, “Because we have eaten them.”
The economist does report that one can find the most unusual bargins in the markets of Mogadishu, such as handgrenades for a only $10, or if those travellers cheques are burning a hole in your pocket, a Howitzer can be purchased for a mere $20,000.
Mr Jimale's parting words should be reassuring for any would-be tourist.
“I'm sure tourists would leave Somalia alive and I'm hopeful they wouldn't be kidnapped,” he says. “At least, we would try to make sure they were not kidnapped, although it can happen.”
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