Somalis can now boast a functional national theater after the facility located in the capital Mogadishu was formally reopened having been closed for refurbishment.

The reopening was made to coincide with the 60th independence day celebration with the president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and other top government officials in attendance.

The president officially cut the ribbon for the reopening before joining a sizeable audience to enjoy performances.

It has had a history of closure with the most notable being back in the early 1990s when the country descended into civil war and Mogadishu became a no-go area according to a BBC report.

Another national facility that has been restored in recent years is the National Stadium, also in Mogadishu.