We use legitimate means to fight terror, Somalia says but pledges to probe use of children as spies

Somalia has insisted its security forces use legitimate means in its military and ideological battle against terrorism amid reports by the Washington Post last week that security agencies were using children as spies.

The government however noted it was disturbed by the testimonies of children who were interviewed by the Post adding it will thoroughly investigate the matter and make public the report soonest.

In a statement Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Ministry said as signatory to the UN Convention of the Rights of Children, Somalia would not tolerate any abuse of children.

“The Somali Government and all public institutions are under strict instruction to protect rather than violate the fundamental rights of all citizens, and especially the most vulnerable such as children,” the ministry said.

The American newspaper, the Washington Post in May 7^th this month published a damning report indicting the National Intelligence Agency, NISA of using children young as ten to indentify Al-Shabaab suspects. The children, the Post said were formally under Al-Shabaab control but were later released.

In a quick rejoinder, the Prime Minister announced two days later the formation of a fact finding committee to investigate the matter. The committee, whose timeline of operation the PM did not indicate will be composed of the Ministers of Justice, Interior and Federalism, Security and commander of the Custodial Corps.

The foreign affairs ministry said the Government was working closely with all relevant organisations to raise awareness about the rights of children and enforce their rights.