AMISOM recognizes that UPDF killed are not members of Al-Shabaab
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] reaffirmed the need for immediate action following the seven deaths in Galweyn, Lower Shabelle, when the Ugandan army was accused of killing civilians. Last week, AMISOM announced that the Uganda People’s Defense Forces [UPDF] were targeting al-Shabaab fighters, who had ambushed them during routine operations in the area.
However, a number of witnesses and government officials dispute this claim. But in a statement released on Saturday, AMISOM said a preliminary investigation found the seven killed were not members of al-Shabab.
a step that could call into question the commitment of the forces to the mission. regarding the safety of these civilians. AMISOM said it is investigating reports that its military is responsible for the deaths of seven people. try to understand what exactly happened during the incident.
“Following the incident, the leaders met with elders, community members and the government. government officials and made it clear that they would not tolerate the criminal activities of their soldiers against civilians. They also reassured them of their commitment to identifying and punishing those who violate the rules of warfare, ”the statement said.
“To investigate this serious incident and recommend further action, AMISOM established a seven-member Board of Inquiry, which immediately began its work. The forensic investigation is being conducted by a senior official and two other members of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.
Other members of the team included a senior federal government official in Somalia and a senior official from the military, police and AMISOM mission headquarters. “The Mission is working directly with the CSF and affected families and is committed to a prompt and transparent investigation, which is expected to end on September 6, 2021,” AMISOM said. Idea.
The BOI will establish the extent of AMISOM military responsibility for seven deaths and circumstances. The Board will recommend the payment of fines to affected families in light of the fact that AMISOM soldiers have been found guilty, and will make recommendations to prevent a repeat of this in the future,
Hours after Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble summoned the Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia about the incident, the head of AMISOM was also summoned and, in addition, the Government of Uganda assured the Head of Mission that, in a spirit of transparency, if the Commission decides that its agents must answer in the case, a Marshall court will be established, which will stop in Somalia to try those involved.
AXADLETM