Rights Commission Seeks Facts over Reported Civilian Deaths in Southern Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission said it had launched a preliminary inquiry into reports that civilians were killed by armed men in the Lower Juba region earlier this month, amid growing concern over insecurity and civilian protection in conflict-affected areas.

In a statement, the commission said the alleged incident occurred on May 20 in Digta Margoos, in the Kamjiroon area of Lower Juba, and involved the reported killing of several civilians.

The commission said it was gathering information from local authorities, community representatives and independent observers to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The protection of civilian lives and safeguarding personal security are fundamental rights guaranteed under Somalia’s constitution and international humanitarian law,” the commission said, calling on security and judicial institutions to ensure accountability and protect communities from violence.

Maryan Qasim, chairperson of the commission, extended condolences to the families of the victims and said the body would continue monitoring developments in the area.

Lower Juba, a region bordering Kenya, remains one of Somalia’s most volatile areas due to the long-running insurgency by Al-Shabaab militants, clan-related tensions and military operations involving federal forces and allied militias.

Human rights groups and international partners have repeatedly raised concerns over civilian casualties linked to armed conflict in Somalia, urging authorities to strengthen investigations and improve accountability mechanisms as the government expands counter-insurgency operations across southern and central regions.

The inquiry comes as Somalia intensifies security offensives against Al-Shabaab while pursuing broader state-building and stabilization efforts backed by regional and international partners.