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AMISOM will continue to prioritise the protection of Somali civilians in the on-going military conflict in Somalia, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Boubacar Diarra said Thursday (August 16th).

"AMISOM takes its responsibility for the safety of the people of Somalia very seriously and fully understands its obligations to conduct operations without causing undue risk to the local population," Diarra said.

He said the Somali people are essential to the success of the AMISOM mission. He expressed "grave concern" over reports of civilian casualties in Kismayo, adding that the reports will be investigated.

Reports suggested that warships anchored off the coast of Kismayo exchanged fire with al-Shabaab militants in the city Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring four.

"We urge all other military forces to exercise due restraint in areas with a substantial civilian population," he said.

AMISOM personnel have been trained in relevant elements of international humanitarian law and have policies in place to protect civilians, including no-fire zones in areas of civilian concentration, he said, adding that AMISOM's efforts to reduce civilian harm have been recognised by the UN Security Council and international agencies.