Jilib


Jilib is a town in Somalia. It is 112 km south to Kismaayo. Jilib is mainly inhabited by Sheekhaal clan including Jareer weyne and Abgaal.

History

During the Middle Ages, Jilib and its surrounding area was part of the Ajuran Empire that governed much of southern Somalia and eastern Ethiopia, with its domain extending from Hobyo in the north, to Qelafo in the west, to Kismayo in the south.
In the early modern period, Jilib was ruled by the Geledi Sultanate. The kingdom was eventually incorporated into Italian Somaliland protectorate in 1910 after the death of the last Sultan Osman Ahmed. After independence in 1960, the city was made the center of the official Jilib District.
The Islamic Courts Union was defeated there in the Battle of Jilib December 2006 January 2007. The ICU recaptured the town on May 17, 2008. The city is presently under the control of Al-Shabaab.
An air raid by United States Africa Command killed at least five civilians and one member of al Shabaab terrorist near Jilib on February 2, 2020.

Demographics

Jilib District has a clear majority of Sacdi Looboge branch of Sheekhaal clan. Members of the Shanta Shambaro, Absame, Habr Gedir, Hawadle, Ajuran, Garre, Tunni, Jide, and Biyamal and Warday sub-clans from a visible minority.