AMISOM admits civilian killings in Lower Shabelle

GOOBJOOG NEWS/MOGADISHU: AMISOM has indicated its initial investigations point to a killing of civilians by its troops in Lower Shabelle region.

According to AMISOM, the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), based in Lower Shabelle region, was ambushed by Alshabaab troops whereby they countered the attack by annihilating the seven. But due to public outcry, AMISOM, through a statement released on August 11, 2021, promised to launch thorough investigations into the killings.

“AMISOM is investigating reports that its troops were responsible for the death of the seven. The leadership has since the incident met with the elders, community members and government officials and made it clear that they will not condone criminal activities against civilians by its soldiers,” read part of the statement by AMISOM.

In response to the killings, the Prime Minister, Mohamed Hussein Roble, yesterday appointed a ministerial committee to probe the incident. He also summoned the Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia and the AMISOM Military Commanders to discuss the serious allegations facing its officers.

And to ensure that swift and thorough investigations are carried out and follow-on actions are instituted, AMISOM has said it has constituted a seven-member Board of Inquiry (BOI) which will work directly with the Federal Government of Somalia and the affected families in a bid to unravel the deaths of the seven. The Board will also seek to investigate the extent to which AMISOM troops were responsible for the deaths and recommend the payment of amends to the affected families in the event they are found culpable.

In the spirit of transparency, the Ugandan Government has promised the Mission Leadership that in the event the Board finds its officers guilty, a Court Marshall shall be constituted and held in Somalia to try them.

AMISOM, in its final statement, reiterated that the Mission leadership is deeply committed to carrying out its mandated tasks in Somalia in strict compliance with its obligation under the applicable International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law and its Rules of Engagement.