Bajuni Islands

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The Bajuni Islands or Baajun Islands are an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, on the southern coast of Somalia, from Kismayu to Ras Kiyamboni (not to be confusen with Ras Kamboni). They lie at the northern end of a string of reefs which also include Zanzibar and Pemba.

There are six main islands: Chandra, Chovaye, Chula, Koyama, Darakasi and Ngumi. Chula with the village of Ndowa is the only island with a significant population.

The biggest island of the archipelago is Coiama or Koyama with two separate villages mainly Koyama and Koyamani. Koyama is also rich in hystorical ruines and monuments like "Pillar Tombs".

All Bajuni inhabitants of Koyama island belong to Nowfali (bajuni subclan).

Other islands of minor importance are: Kandha Iwu, Fuma, Ilisi and the island of Kisimayu (actual Kisimayu harbor) attached to the coast in 1961 during the construction of Kismayu Port.


Coordinates: 0°45′S, 42°15′E

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