Amisom refutes parliament security take-over reports

We provide security to key government installations as part of our mandate-Amisom

Amisom has dispelled claims its forces have taken over security at the Lower House from Somalia security forces but noted securing government installations is part of its mandate.

The mission’s spokesman Lt Colonel Wilson Rono told Goobjoog News information circulating in the media that its forces had taken control of the Lower House was false.

“I have received several enquiries about that issue. Maybe people are relating to what happened yesterday but as Amisom we are not involved in politics but security,” said Rono.

The spokesman said it was common knowledge that Amisom provides security to government installations noting what came up could just be a misconception. “We have been providing security to key government installations such as Parliament, Villa Somalia among others. That was just a misconception.”

A new security team took over security in the Lower House building Friday evening as the row between Prime Minister Hassan Khaire and Speaker Mohamed Jawari escalated. Jawari accused Khaire of ordering the deployment of forces to the Lower House building to bar legislators from conducting business.

The government however said the change of guard was a normal security procedure.

Col. Rono added Amisom had accepted an earlier request by Jawari to extend security services to the Upper House.

“The Lower House speaker wrote to Amisom three weeks ago requesting we extend security services to the Upper House and that request was considered.”