Jijiga

Understand

Jijiga has been the capital of the Somali region since 1995. It is one of the few places in the region that the government of Ethiopia fully controls.

See

Jijiga is home to dozens of mosques.

There is the Jeel Ogaden Prison Museum, a former prison where atrocities were committed by the Abdi Iley regime, but as of 2025 the guard says it requires "permission from the government" for foreigners to enter, which translated means foreigners can't enter.

Do

The locals will assure you that there is nothing to see or do in Jijiga.

It is true that the drive to Jijiga from Harar is a highlight. The road traverses dry semi arid valleys adorned with large boulders and stones. On the way you pass what appears to be a refugee camp - a reminder that the Ogaden Desert and the civil wars of Somalia are not far away. Despite what the locals say it is a pleasant excursion to walk through the shops and markets to the historic Fooq Dheere building. With luck you might see a real camel caravan.

Eat

There are numerous modern cafes and restaurants. This is a great place to sample Somali food.

The Maamuus Café in the shopping centre that houses the Ethiopian Airlines office has all manner of coffee and pizzas.

Sleep

There are dozens of hotels in Jijiga