Amisom says regrets embarrassment to minister at Medina gate

Amisom has said it regrets an incident in which Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management minister Maryan Qasim complained of unprofessional conduct from Amisom soldiers at the entrance of Amisom and UN compounds in Mogadishu.

The mission’s spokesperson Joe Kibet told Goobjoog News what happened was unfortunate and that such an incident would not happen again.

“What happened to the minister was regrettable but we hope this will not happen again,” said Kibet.

Without elaborating on the details of the incident, the minister said in a tweet the manner in which she was treated by Amisom soldiers at Medina gate was unacceptable.

“Condescending behaviour from Amisom soldiers towards me and my female staff today at MIA Medina Gate is unacceptable,” said Qasim.

Amisom however noted the soldiers at the Medina gate may not have been expecting ministers to use the gate hence the embarrassment adding the soldiers also putting up intensive security measures because of heightened security situation.

“VIPs normally use the Marine gate and not Medina gate so this may have caused the mishap also. The soldiers are also working on a heightened security situation. I urge all dignitaries to work on pre-arrangements with their hosts from this side to ensure we do not have such incidents,” said Kibet.

The minister could not be reached for comment regarding the incident.