Barawe administration plans to hold talks with AMISOM over civilian killings

The administration of  Barwe town said that they are planning to discuss with African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) over accusations it had gunned down civilians in Lower Shabelle region.

Adan Omar Madoobe, Barawe District commissioner said that it is sad to hear deaths of civilians and human rights abuses which was committed by AMISOM soldiers.

“The troops were accused of being behind meaningless killings against unarmed civilians in the town and we are going to discuss with AMISOM over these issues,” said Madoobe.

Last month AMISOM came under condemnation from the public and human rights organization after soldiers reportedly shot dead more than 11 civilians in Lower Shabelle region.

AMISOM troops were deployed to Somalia in 2007 to defend the internationally-backed government against attacks by Al-Shabaab, which regularly carries out attacks on civilian, military and government targets.

The AU has said it plans to pull its soldiers out of Somalia by 2020, however the country has yet to form an effective national army.

AMISOM has run into difficulties with its main donor the European Union cutting funding by 20 percent saying African countries must bear more of the burden of soldier salaries.