The old statehouse, located just few hundred meters from the main centre of town, was abandoned during the civil war 1988 - 1991. A large number of people fled the country during these years. When they came back in the mid nineties, many settled in statehouse, which today is one of the biggest returnee/ IDP camps in Hargeisa.
Recently we conducted a HIV/Aids and FGM awareness workshop in one of the old rooms of statehouse, with participants from the community committee, the local youth group and women group. It was a unique experience, not only for them, but also for us.