Nairobi, Kenya – Somali leaders have formed a new administration for Kismayu, to replace the ousted Al Shabaab leadership who fled the area after a military offensive by the Kenyan forces under the African Union Mission (AMISOM). The new administration was formed Wednesday after the AMISOM forces, which include the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) Somali National Army and Raskamboni Brigade, held a meeting to plan the way forward for the Kismayu administration.
‘The meeting resolved to establish a two-tier administration,’ said Col. Cyrus Oguna, the KDF Information Operational Commander.
The meeting agreed that the first-tier administration will comprise of the chair, his deputy and 10 assistants.
Two of the 10 assistants will each be in charge of a department. The departments include Security, Economics, Justice, Social and Relief.
The second-tier will comprise of working parties, each having five personnel in the departments, bringing the working number to 25 people.
‘The working parties will meet every alternate days to brief the committee on the situation on ground,’ Col. Oguna said.
‘It was unanimously agreed that leadership would be rotational after 20 days. The meeting further agreed that the findings of the IGAD meeting taking place in Nairobi will supersede any arrangements that may be existing in Kismayu,’ KDF said.
The Kenyan navy seized the port of Kismayu after a naval raid was staged before dawn and fought their way across the city.
Meanwhile the security situation in Kismayu is steadily improving with more militants surrendering to AMISOM forces.
Movement in and out of the town continues to be monitored at control points erected outside the town.
Pana 11/10/2012