:Kismayo

During antiquity, Kismayo was part of the Somali city-states that in engaged in a lucrative trade network connecting Somali merchants with Phoenicia, Ptolemic Egypt, Greece, Parthian Persia, Saba, Nabataea and the Roman Empire. Somali sailors used the ancient Somali maritime vessel known as the beden to transport their cargo.Journal of African History pg.50 by John Donnelly Fage and Roland Anthony Oliver

{{main|Ajuran Sultanate|Geledi Sultanate|Somali aristocratic and court titles}}

File:Muzzaffar (Mogadishu area) flag according to 1576 Portuguese map.svg, an influential Somali empire that held sway over Kismayo and the larger Jubaland region during the Middle Ages.]]

The Kismayo area was originally a small fishing settlement.

During the Middle Ages, the region came under the rule of the influential Ajuran Sultanate, which utilized the Jubba River for its plantations.

After the collapse of this polity, the House of Gobroon was established and the Sultanate of the Geledi held sway over the area. The dynasty reached its apex under the successive reigns of Sultan Yusuf Mahamud Ibrahim, who successfully consolidated Gobroon power during the Bardera wars, and Sultan Ahmed Yusuf, who forced regional powers such as the Omani Empire to submit tribute.

The Italians referred to the city as Chisimaio. Kismayo and the northern half of the Jubaland region were incorporated into neighboring Italian Somaliland on 30 June 1926. The colony had a total area of 87,000 km² (33,000 sq mi), with a population of 120,000 inhabitants. Britain retained control of the southern half of the partitioned Jubaland territory, which was later called the Northern Frontier District (NFD).{{cite book|last=Osman|first=Mohamed Amin AH|title=Somalia, proposals for the future|year=1993|publisher=SPM|pages=1–10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iSsOAQAAMAAJ}}

{{main|Somali Civil War}}

Following the breakdown of central authority that accompanied the civil war in 1991, various local militias fought for control of the city, including supporters of Mohammed Said Hersi ("General Morgan"), and Col. Barre Adan Shire Hiiraale Somali National Front (SNF), later on known as the Juba Valley Alliance (JVA). As well of Col. Omar Jess' Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM). Aid worker Sean Devereux was assassinated in the city in January 1993. In March 1993, a United States Marine amphibious group arrived in the city in an attempt to keep the peace as part of the United Nations intervention in Somalia. By December 1993, General Morgan's troops controlled Kismayo, despite the presence of peacekeepers. The last UN troops left the city in December 1994.N.Y. Times, [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04E3DC1E39F931A25751C1A962958260 World News Briefs; Last U.N. Peacekeepers Prepare to Leave Somalia], December 12, 1994

File:Kismaayo panorama.jpg

General Morgan briefly declared Jubaland independent on September 3, 1998.[http://www.buckyogi.com/footnotes/natgj.htm Footnotes to History: G to J] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181944/http://www.buckyogi.com/footnotes/natgj.htm |date=2016-03-03 }} Footnotes to History Political opponents of his subsequently united as the Allied Somali Forces (ASF), seizing control of Kismayo by June of the following year.[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ERO/records/ho415/1/ind/som4.htm Somalia Assessment, September 1999] Country Information and Policy Unit, Immigration & Nationality Directorate, Home Office, UK Led by Colonel Barre Adan Shire Hiiraale, the ASF administration renamed itself the Juba Valley Alliance in 2001.{{cite web | title=Somalia | work=World Statesmen | url=http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Somalia.html#Jubaland | access-date=March 9, 2006 }} – also shows Italian colonial flag & links to [http://www.zum.de/whkmla/histatlas/eastafrica/somalia1925.gif map] On June 18 of that year, an 11-member interclan council decided to ally the JVA with the newly forming Transitional Federal Government.[http://www.afrol.com/html/Countries/Somalia/documents/un_sg_111001.htm Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia, 11 Oct 2001, Document S/2001/963] United Nations Security Council

On January 8, 2007, as the Battle of Ras Kamboni raged just south of Kismayo, the TFG relocated from its interim location in Baidoa to the nation's capital, Mogadishu. This marked the first time since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991 that the federal government controlled most of the country.[http://www.garoweonline.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=558:somalia-president-parliament-speaker-dispute-over-tfg-term&catid=55:somalia&Itemid=79 Somalia President, Parliament Speaker dispute over TFG term] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514131640/http://www.garoweonline.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=558%3Asomalia-president-parliament-speaker-dispute-over-tfg-term&catid=55%3Asomalia&Itemid=79 |date=2011-05-14 }}

Following this defeat, the Islamic Courts Union splintered into several different factions. Some of the more radical elements, including Al-Shabaab, regrouped to continue their insurgency against the TFG and oppose the Ethiopian military's presence in Somalia. Throughout 2007 and 2008, Al‑Shabaab scored military victories, seizing control of key towns and ports in both central and southern Somalia. By January 2009, Al‑Shabaab and other militias had managed to force the Ethiopian troops to retreat, leaving behind an under-equipped African Union peacekeeping force to assist the Transitional Federal Government's troops.{{cite web|author=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,USCIRF,,,4a4f272bc,0.html |title=USCIRF Annual Report 2009 – The Commission's Watch List: Somalia |publisher=Unhcr.org |date=2009-05-01 |access-date=2010-06-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510005900/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher%2CUSCIRF%2C%2C%2C4a4f272bc%2C0.html |archive-date=2011-05-10 }}

In September 2012, Somali Army, Ras Kamboni militiamen and Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF), all under command of the African Union Mission in Somalia AMISOM, re-captured the city from the Al-Shabaab insurgents during the Battle of Kismayo (2012).{{cite web|title=Somali, AMISOM forces on the outskirts of Kismayo|url=http://www.peaceau.org/uploads/amisom-press-release-30-09-2012.pdf|publisher=AMISOM|access-date=30 July 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/somalia/jubaland-jeopardy-uneasy-path-state-building-somalia|title=Jubaland in Jeopardy: The Uneasy Path to State-Building in Somalia|publisher=International Crises Group|date=21 May 2013}} This was a culmination to the Kenyan Operation Linda Nchi attack into Somalia which had begun late the year before.

On 12 July 2019, a car bomb and a gun attack at the Asasey hotel killed at least 26, including two prominent journalists and nine foreigners. Islamist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility.{{citation |title=Kismayo attack: At least 26 dead as gunmen storm Somali hotel|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-48969781|work=BBC News|date=13 July 2019 |access-date=13 July 2019 }}

Kismayo is located in the fertile Juba Valley in southeastern Somalia, on the Somali Sea coast. Nearby settlements include to the northeast Xamareyso (5.0 nm), to the north Dalxiiska (1.3 nm), to the northwest Qeyla Dheere (6.4 nm), to the west Saamogia (0.9 nm), to the southwest Iach Bulle (10.0 nm), and to the south Qandal (6.5 nm).{{cite web|title=Kismaayo, Somalia|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/SO/09/Kismaayo.html|publisher=Falling Rain|access-date=7 June 2013}} The largest cities in the country most proximate to Kismayo are Jamaame (52 km), Jilib (97 km), and Merca (337 km).{{cite web|title=Kismayo (Chisimayu, Kismayu)|url=http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Kismayu|publisher=Weather-Forecast|access-date=7 June 2013}}

{{Geographic location

| Centre = Kismayo

| North = Dalxiiska

| Northeast = Xamareyso

| East = Indian Ocean

| Southeast =

| South = Qandal

| Southwest = Iach Bulle

| West = Saamogia

| Northwest = Qeyla Dheere

}}

Kismayo has a tropical semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) Weather is hot year-round, with seasonal monsoon winds and irregular rainfall with recurring droughts. The gu rains, also known as the Southwest Monsoons, begin in April and last until July producing significant fresh water and allowing lush vegetation to grow. The gu season is followed by the xagaa (hagaa) dry season.

{{Weather box

|metric first = yes

|single line = yes

|location = Kismayo

|temperature colour =

|Jan record high C = 31.8

|Feb record high C = 33.1

|Mar record high C = 34.0

|Apr record high C = 37.8

|May record high C = 34.0

|Jun record high C = 34.0

|Jul record high C = 32.3

|Aug record high C = 32.4

|Sep record high C = 30.3

|Oct record high C = 31.5

|Nov record high C = 32.2

|Dec record high C = 33.0

|year record high C = 37.8

|Jan high C = 29.6

|Feb high C = 29.9

|Mar high C = 31.0

|Apr high C = 31.8

|May high C = 30.4

|Jun high C = 28.6

|Jul high C = 28.0

|Aug high C = 28.3

|Sep high C = 28.6

|Oct high C = 29.5

|Nov high C = 30.5

|Dec high C = 30.5

|year high C = 29.7

|Jan mean C = 27.1

|Feb mean C = 27.3

|Mar mean C = 28.2

|Apr mean C = 28.6

|May mean C = 27.3

|Jun mean C = 26.1

|Jul mean C = 25.6

|Aug mean C = 25.7

|Sep mean C = 26.0

|Oct mean C = 26.8

|Nov mean C = 27.5

|Dec mean C = 27.5

|year mean C = 27.0

|Jan low C = 24.2

|Feb low C = 24.5

|Mar low C = 25.4

|Apr low C = 25.8

|May low C = 24.8

|Jun low C = 23.5

|Jul low C = 23.1

|Aug low C = 23.3

|Sep low C = 23.3

|Oct low C = 24.0

|Nov low C = 24.5

|Dec low C = 24.4

|year low C = 24.2

|Jan record low C = 21.0

|Feb record low C = 22.0

|Mar record low C = 23.0

|Apr record low C = 21.3

|May record low C = 20.0

|Jun record low C = 21.0

|Jul record low C = 19.0

|Aug record low C = 21.0

|Sep record low C = 22.0

|Oct record low C = 22.4

|Nov record low C = 22.5

|Dec record low C = 22.0

|year record low C = 19.0

|rain colour = green

|Jan rain mm = 1

|Feb rain mm = 1

|Mar rain mm = 3

|Apr rain mm = 39

|May rain mm = 111

|Jun rain mm = 89

|Jul rain mm = 52

|Aug rain mm = 21

|Sep rain mm = 21

|Oct rain mm = 15

|Nov rain mm = 17

|Dec rain mm = 3

|year rain mm = 374

|unit rain days = 0.1 mm

|Jan rain days = 0

|Feb rain days = 0

|Mar rain days = 0

|Apr rain days = 4

|May rain days = 7

|Jun rain days = 11

|Jul rain days = 9

|Aug rain days = 5

|Sep rain days = 3

|Oct rain days = 2

|Nov rain days = 2

|Dec rain days = 1

|year rain days = 43

|Jan humidity = 77

|Feb humidity = 76

|Mar humidity = 76

|Apr humidity = 77

|May humidity = 80

|Jun humidity = 80

|Jul humidity = 80

|Aug humidity = 79

|Sep humidity = 78

|Oct humidity = 78

|Nov humidity = 77

|Dec humidity = 77

|year humidity = 78

|Jan sun = 235.6

|Feb sun = 226.0

|Mar sun = 248.0

|Apr sun = 210.0

|May sun = 257.3

|Jun sun = 207.0

|Jul sun = 192.2

|Aug sun = 251.1

|Sep sun = 225.0

|Oct sun = 248.0

|Nov sun = 225.0

|Dec sun = 217.0

|year sun =

|Jand sun = 7.6

|Febd sun = 8.0

|Mard sun = 8.0

|Aprd sun = 7.0

|Mayd sun = 8.3

|Jund sun = 6.9

|Juld sun = 6.2

|Augd sun = 8.1

|Sepd sun = 7.5

|Octd sun = 8.0

|Novd sun = 7.5

|Decd sun = 7.0

|yeard sun = 7.5

| Jan percentsun = 64

| Feb percentsun = 73

| Mar percentsun = 69

| Apr percentsun = 62

| May percentsun = 59

| Jun percentsun = 57

| Jul percentsun = 56

| Aug percentsun = 62

| Sep percentsun = 64

| Oct percentsun = 66

| Nov percentsun = 66

| Dec percentsun = 66

| year percentsun = 64

|source 1 = Deutscher Wetterdienst

{{cite web

| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_632700_kt.pdf

| title = Klimatafel von Chisimaio (Kismayu) / Somalia

| work = Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world

| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst

| language = de

| access-date = 24 October 2016}}

|source 2 = Food and Agriculture Organization: Somalia Water and Land Management (percent sunshine){{cite web

| url = http://sddr.faoswalim.org/downloads/Long%20Term%20Mean_Monthly__sunshine%20fraction.xls

| title = Long term mean monthly sunshine fraction in Somalia

| publisher = Food and Agriculture Organization

| access-date = 4 November 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005063105/http://sddr.faoswalim.org/downloads/Long%20Term%20Mean_Monthly__sunshine%20fraction.xls

| archive-date = 5 October 2016

| url-status = dead

}}

}}

A new municipal district administration was established on 6 September 2008. Its members reportedly represented the ICU and Al‑Shabaab (three members each) in addition to a local clan (one member) which had played a part in the military assault.Garowe Online 2008, [http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_s_Islamists_appoint_Kismayo_administration.shtml 'Somalia's Islamists appoint Kismayo administration'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916133528/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_s_Islamists_appoint_Kismayo_administration.shtml |date=2008-09-16 }}, Garowe Online, 6 September. Retrieved on 7 September 2008. Representatives of the Islamic Courts Union questioned the legitimacy of the authority.All Africa, [http://allafrica.com/stories/200809090125.html Islamic Courts Reject Administration Formed By Al-Shaabab in Kismayu city], Sep. 8, 2008 On 1 October 2009, Al Shabaab took full control of the city, after Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, a senior commander of Ras Kamboni Brigade (then a part of Hizbul Islam), challenged Al‑Shabaab's control.Garowe Online, [http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Al_Shabaab_seizes_control_of_Kismayo_after_battle.shtml 'Al Shabaab seize control of Kismayo after battle'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008131729/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Al_Shabaab_seizes_control_of_Kismayo_after_battle.shtml |date=2009-10-08 }}, Garowe Online, 1 October. Retrieved on 4 October 2009.

With the subsequent ouster of the Al-Shabaab rebels in September 2012, the Somali government began preparing mediations between the city's various stakeholders in order to establish an inclusive local administration.{{cite news|title=African troops enter Somali port of Kismayo|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\10\02\story_2-10-2012_pg4_2|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=AFP|date=2 October 2012}} On 28 August 2013, the autonomous Jubaland administration signed a national reconciliation agreement in Addis Ababa with the federal government. Endorsed by the federal State Minister for the Presidency Farah Abdulkadir on behalf of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the pact was brokered by the Foreign Ministry of Ethiopia and came after protracted bilateral talks.

Under the terms of the agreement, Jubaland is administered for a two-year period by a Juba Interim Administration and led by the region's incumbent president, Ahmed Mohamed Islam. The regional president serves as the chairperson of a new Executive Council, to which he appoints three deputies. Additionally, the agreement includes the integration of Jubaland's military forces under the central command of the Somali National Army (SNA), and stipulates that the Juba Interim Administration will command the regional police.{{cite news|last=Wendoson|first=Abera|title=Somalia gives recognition to Jubaland interim administration|url=http://www.ethpress.gov.et/herald/index.php/herald/news/3845-somalia-gives-recognition-to-jubaland-interim-administration?tmpl=component&print=1&page=|access-date=11 September 2013|newspaper=Ethiopian Herald|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130911170044/http://www.ethpress.gov.et/herald/index.php/herald/news/3845-somalia-gives-recognition-to-jubaland-interim-administration?tmpl=component&print=1&page=|archive-date=11 September 2013}}

Kismayo is divided into 4 districts, or degmo (see map):

• Calanley
• Farjano
• Shaqaalaha
• Fanoole

Institutions of higher learning in the city include Kismayo University (KU). Established in August 2005, it is situated about 1 km north, along the Kismayo–Mogadishu main road.{{cite web |url=http://www.kismayouniversity.net/files/FAQ.htm |title=Kismayo University |access-date=2011-09-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820014750/http://www.kismayouniversity.net/files/FAQ.htm |archive-date=2008-08-20 }}

In 2022 Adar Ismail Jurati led a consultative meeting with government officials and people who perform female gential mutilation (FGM) with a view to stopping the practice in the area.{{Cite web |last=Hussein |first=Osman |date=2022-11-17 |title=Jubbaland Women, Family Affairs and Human rights Ministry pushes for enactment of FGM bill to eradicate the vice in Jubbaland state {{!}} Radio Kismaayo |url=https://radiokismayo.so/2022/11/17/jubbaland-women-family-affairs-and-human-rights-ministry-pushes-for-enactment-of-fgm-bill-to-eradicate-the-vice-in-jubbaland-state/ |access-date=2024-10-09 |language=en-US}}

In October 2008, the daily labor rate was estimated at 157,500 Somali shillings (approximately $4.50), up from 52,000 shillings (approximately $2.21) in January 2008, while a kilogram of red rice rose from 14,170 (approximately $0.61) to 46,000 (approximately $1.31).Food Security Analysis Unit – Somalia, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20090327102548/http://fsausomali.org/fileadmin/uploads/1374.pdf 2008 Commodities Prices]}} A liter of diesel cost 43,000 shillings (approximately $1.23) and a camel costs over 15 million shillings (approximately $435). Total cereal production as of 2008 was estimated to be 780MT.Food Security Analysis Unit – Somalia, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100415232313/http://www.fsausomali.org/index.php@id=53.html Southern Regions Analysis]}}, September 12, 2008

File:Kismayo Airport.jpg.]]

Kismayo's air transportation needs are served by Kismayo Airport, which is situated about 10 km from the city. It was formerly a Somali Air Force training base. Following the outbreak of the civil war, the airport was closed down for a period of time and its infrastructure was significantly damaged. However, the facility was reopened in October 2008 by the Islamic Courts Union after undergoing some renovations.Abdulkadir Khalif, [http://allafrica.com/stories/200810061240.html Somalia: Flights Carrying Khat Banned From Kismayu Airport], 6 October 2008 That same year, the airport was also renamed after Imam Ahmed Gurey, a 16th‑century Somali military leader.AFP, [http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hHf2OUAlTWDaPKUUMh1cWyqOoM1Q Somalia Islamists rename Kismayo airport] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011160027/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hHf2OUAlTWDaPKUUMh1cWyqOoM1Q |date=2008-10-11 }}, 6 October 2008

The Kismayo Airport was officially brought under the Juba Interim Administration in August 2013. Per agreement, management of the facility was scheduled to be transferred to the Federal Government after a period of six months. Revenues and resources generated from the airport will also be earmarked for Jubaland's service delivery and security sectors as well as local institutional development.

File:Kismayo Int Airport 2016.jpg

Three main thoroughfares connect Kismayo to other major areas in the country. The 600 km Highway 3 runs the length of the Juba Valley. Starting in Beled Hawo, it goes through Garbaharey, Bardera and Buale before finally reaching Kismayo.

A paved 528 km freeway links the capital Mogadishu with Kismayo, passing through Jilib before turning towards the capital. A third highway extends northwest from Kismayo to Afmadow, then turns toward Dhobley in the eastern part of the Gedo region.

In January 2015, the Interim Juba Administration launched a transport beautification and cleaning campaign in Kismayo. Part of a broader urbanization drive, the initiative includes the clearing of clogged streets and lanes, razing of illegal buildings therein, and further development of the municipal road network.{{cite news|title=The police commission of Kismayo plans to bulldoze the illegal buildings along the main roads|url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=8860|access-date=18 January 2015|agency=Goobjoog|date=16 January 2015}}

Kismayo's large docks are situated on a peninsula on the Somali Sea coast. Formerly one of the Bajuni Islands, the peninsula was connected by a narrow causeway when the modern Port of Kismayo was built in 1964 with U.S. assistance. The port served as a base for the Somali Navy as well as the Soviet Navy after the 1969 military coup.UPI, [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9801E6DB173BF933A1575AC0A962948260&fta=y U.S. Will Spend $38.6 Million To Refurbish Port in Somalia], September 20, 1984 In 1984, Somalia and the United States jointly refurbished the port after significant wear to the {{convert|2070|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} four-berth, marginal wharf made major renovations necessary.R. Lee Hadden, Topographic Engineering Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120915192043/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA464006 The Geology of Somalia: a Selected Bibliography of Somalian Geology, Geography and Earth Science], February 2007

The Port of Kismayo was officially brought under the Juba Interim Administration in August 2013. According to the agreement, management of the facility was scheduled to be transferred to the Somali Federal Government after a period of six months. Like Kismayo Airport, revenues and resources generated by the seaport are to be earmarked for Jubaland's service delivery and security sectors as well as local institutional development.

• Mohammed Sagaf, footballer born in Kismayo, currently representing Tanzania national football team
• Mohamed Ibrahim Liqliiqato, military and political leader; ambassador to the Soviet Union and West Germany; Speaker of Parliament (1983–1990)
• Abdullahi Ahmed Irro, general in the Somali National Army
• Hussein Samatar, politician, banker and community organizer

• Fall of Kismayo

{{reflist|2}}

• [http://geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-4569004&fid=5781&c=somalia Kismayo, Somalia]

{{wikivoyage|Kismayo}}

• [http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Somalia.html#Jubaland WorldStaesmen – Somalia – Jubaland]
• [http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa/kismaayo_1992.jpg 1992 Map of Kismayu]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kismayo}}

Category:Populated places in Lower Juba

Category:Populated coastal places in Somalia

Category:Ajuran Sultanate

Category:Cities in Somalia