Question

Why was the city of Mogadishu an important trading hub?

Answer 1

Somalis commonly spoke several different languages, making communication with merchants easier.
Mogadishu is strategically located on the Horn of Africa with access to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The city of Mogadishu was an important stop in the Trans-Saharan trade.
Mogadishu was a former Roman city and had a network of roads linking it to cities in the African interior.

Answer 2

@Directrix