AMISOM denies Robow’s arrest as MPs accuse Mission of ‘violence’

The AU Mission, AMISOM has denied involvement in the arrest of South West presidential candidate and former Al-Shabaab number two Mukhtar Robow as federal lawmakers accuse the Francisco Madeira-led mission of ‘inciting violence in Somalia’.

In a statement Friday barely four hours after a coalition of MPs under the National Salvation Caucus issued a scathing attack against the AU force, Mission head Francisco Madeira said none of his forces were involved in the arrest and subsequent transfer of Robow to Mogadishu.

“Ambassador Madeira wishes to inform the public and its partners that AMISOM had no part in the arrest of Mr. Robow and his subsequent transfer to Mogadishu,” the statement read in part.

According to reports from Baidoa Thursday, Ethiopia forces under AMISOM arrested Robow as he headed to the presidential palace where the state electoral committee had summoned him and other candidates for an announcement.

In their statement Friday addressed to the African Union Commission chair Moussa Faki, the lawmakers said AMISOM had fanned violence in South West adding its involvement in the arrest of Robow violated the mission rules.

“On December, 13, 2018 AMISOM forces have detained Mukhtar Robow Ali, a presidential candidate and a front runner of the upcoming elections in the South West state of Somalia, and in the process AMISOM forces have killed many civilians in violation of international and local laws,” the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers also accused AMISOM of violating the Status of Mission Agreement (SOMA). “Article 8 this agreement clearly states that; AMISOM and its members shall refrain from any action or activity incompatible with the impartial and international nature of their duties or inconsistent with the spirit of the present arrangement.”

But in his response, Madeira defended his forces noting the Mission was not aligned to any one side in the execution of its mandate in Somalia while calling for restrain among all stakeholders.

“I wish to call upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in resolving the issues related to the current situation in the country and the upcoming elections in the South West State of Somalia,” said Madeira. “AMISOM will continue to execute its mandate in close cooperation with the people and the government of Somalia, with maximum respect for their laws, their culture and their values.”