Somali govt 'in control'
2007-01-02 10:38
Baidoa - The Somali government said on Tuesday it was now in control of all Islamist-held territories in south and central Somalia after nearly two weeks of fighting in the lawless African nation.
"The government has gained control of southern and central Somalia. We will ensure that we restore law and order in that part of the country," information minister Ali Jama said.
He said the government exerted control of the southern port town of Kismayo, the Islamists' last stronghold that they abandoned on the arrival of government troops backed by Ethiopian forces.
"We will pursue them (Islamists) until we ensure that they are out of this country," Jama said.
The Islamists have conceded defeat, but vowed to carry on with guerrilla war against the Somali troops and their Ethiopian backers.
Somalia disintegrated into lawlessness after the 1991 ousting of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. It was carved up among clan warlords, some of whom now back the government.
Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi has announced measures to pacify the lawless nation, including the disarmament of civilians and the relocation of his government from the regional outpost of Baidoa to the capital Mogadishu.