Somalia: AMISOM Enters Kismamyo

It is official; the African Union forces in Somalia have, after a 10-day battle, entered Kismayo, the southern port city that has been the stronghold of the rebel al-Shabaab militia.

A Friday Sept. 28 statement from AMISOM said its forces were involved in operation to neutralise remnants of the al-Shabbab and appealed to fighting groups to surrender and to residents to remain calm.

"We urge all fighters remaining in Kismayo to lay down their arms. In recent days and weeks, a number of them have contacted AMISOM indicating their wish to cease fighting and we have assured them of their safety if they give themselves up peacefully to our forces," the statement quoted the AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, to have said.

Gen. Gutti said AMISOM's intent is to liberate the people of Kismayo to enable them to lead their lives in peace, stability and security.

Earlier reports indicated that the much weakened al-Shabaab had evacuated Kismayo before the AMISOM advance. But it is highly unlikely they can regroup into a strong enough force to challenge the government in Mogadishu.